Northbridge High School Student & Parent/Guardian Handbook ...

Northbridge High School 

Student & Parent/Guardian Handbook 

2011-2012 

Online Version 

Northbridge High School is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges 

Scroll down or click on link to table of contents

NORTHBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL 

Michael P. Gauthier, Principal 

Jeffrey M. Lizotte, Assistant Principal 

September 2011 

427 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 01588 

(508) 234-6221 FAX (508) 234-0802 

www.nps.org 

John D. Susienka, Dean of Students 

Allan E. Richards, Athletic Director 

Dear Students and Parent/Guardians: 

Welcome to the 2011-2012 School Year. This Student and Parent/Guardian Handbook is designed to inform students 

and parents/guardians about the general policies and procedures that govern daily life at Northbridge High School (see 

also Northbridge School Committee Policy, Massachusetts General Law and the Northbridge High School Program of 

Studies). The information contained in this Handbook establishes an environment that assures all students a positive, 

challenging educational experience both in the classroom and as a member of the high school community. The handbook 

is available online, in the media center, from any staff member, or in the main office. 

As a student of Northbridge High School there are numerous opportunities for participation. We encourage our students 

to make informed decisions and choices that reflect our school’s Mission Statement. This Handbook outlines 

consequences for choices made that may conflict with the general welfare and day-to-day operation of our school. 

The key to a successful school year is active participation, collaboration and communication. We extend an invitation to 

all students and parents/guardians, to contact Northbridge High School whenever you have a question or concern. A 

proactive approach will insure that this year will be one in which each and every student has the potential to realize his or 

her personal best. 

Respectfully, 

Michael Gauthier 

Principal 

Jeffrey M. Lizotte 

Assistant Principal 

Handbook translations are available upon request to the Pupil Personnel Services Office at 508-234-8156 ext. 215 

Manual de las traducciones están disponibles previa solicitud a la Oficina de Personal de Servicios Estudiantiles al 508-234-8156 ext. 

215 

Traduções de Manual estão disponíveis mediante solicitação ao Escritório de Serviços de Pessoal de alunos em 508-234-8156 ext. 215 


MISSION STATEMENT AND EXPECTATIONS 

The mission of the Northbridge High School Community is to provide an educational experience committed to 

high expectations and diverse learning opportunities for all students. Northbridge High School honors tradition 

and embraces change and innovation. 

Together, we encourage Responsibility, Achievement, Mutual respect and Service. 

Expectations for Student Academic Performance 

Northbridge High School students will: 

1. Read, write and communicate effectively 

2. Think critically and engage in problem solving 

3. Work independently, collaboratively and creatively 

4. Utilize appropriate technologies 

Expectations for Student Social Performance 


1. Participate in a variety of school and community activities 

2. Accept responsibility for choices and actions 

3. Treat everyone with respect and appreciate diversity 

Expectations for Student Civic and Economic Performance 


1. Develop an understanding of the democratic process and its resulting civic responsibilities. 

2. Develop economic responsibility and management strategies. 


STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

As a student you are considered a citizen of this school community. Citizenship, as in any community, is 

something which confers fundamental rights and equally important responsibilities upon each of its members. 

Student Rights : 

As a student in Northbridge High School, you have the right: 

to be treated with respect by all members of the school community; 

to be personally safe 

to do your school work in clean and pleasant surroundings; 

to freedom of expression and opinion so long as you do not cause disruption or disorder within the 

school; 

to a full and appropriate education; 

to "due process" in the fair application of individual classroom and school wide discipline policies. 

Student Responsibilities : 

As a student in Northbridge High School, you have the responsibility: 

to treat all members of the school community, both pupils and staff, with respect; 

to help make the school a safe place for all; 

to ensure proper care and security of all personal and school property; 

to help keep the school a clean and pleasant place for everyone; 

to express yourself in a manner that will not cause disruption, disturbance, or embarrassment to others; 

to meet all your academic obligations to the very best of your abilities; 

to know and understand individual classroom and school wide discipline policies and to avoid behaviors 

which would be deliberate violations of these behavioral expectations. 

SCHOOL COUNCIL 

The School Council is created to meet the provisions of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 71, Section 53 

(also known as the Education Reform Act of 1993). 

The Northbridge High School Council membership consists of the Principal, parent/guardian(s), teachers, 

students and community representatives. Individuals interested in serving on School Council may inquire by 

contacting the Principal’s office. 

The primary responsibilities of the NHS School Council are to assist and advise the Principal in the following 

areas: 

• Adopting educational goals for the school 

• Identifying the educational needs of students attending the school 

• Reviewing the school’s handbook 

• Reviewing the school’s annual budget 

• Formulating a school improvement plan 

All School Council meetings are subject to the Open Meeting Laws and all interested parties are invited to 

attend. The School Council meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 2:30-4:30 PM at Northbridge High 

School. Specific dates are posted at the beginning of each school year our webpage. 


TABLE OF CONTENTS -pg.1 

Academic & Student Support 

Examinations (Final) 

Advanced Place ment Testing 

Extended Passing Time(Break) 

Alcohol, Drugs, Felony Charges Extra Curricular Activities 

Announcements, etc. 

Fan Expectation s 

Assemblies 

Field Trips 

Athletics 

Financial Obligations 

Attendance Policy & Procedures Food in the Classroom 

Awards and Recognition 

Food Services/Dining 

Bullying, harassment Policies 

Forgery/Cheating/Plagiarism 

Bus Privileges /Transportation Services Forms 

Calendar of Events 

Fundraising 

Calendar – Northbridge District Calendar Graduation Requirements 

Child Abuse Reporting 

Guidance 

Class Advisors 

Hall Passes 

Class Dues 

Harassment 

Class Elections 

Hazing 

Class Rank/Grades/Levels 

Health Services 

Class Standing/Class Credit 

Homework 

Computer Policy (Acceptable use policy) Honor Roll 

Course Expectation Sheets 

Incomplete Grades 

Credit Loss/Recovery 

Instructional Materials 

Dance/Prom Guidelines 

Insurance 

Disciplinary Policy 

Ipass/IParent 

Displaying Affection 

Latex Products 

District Curriculum Accommod. Plan Lavatories 

Diversity 

Lockers 

Dress Code 

Locker Rooms 

Driving Privileges & Parking Lot Access Loitering 

Dual Enrollment /College Courses Main Office 

Due Process & Appeals 

Make-Up Work 

Early Intervention Team (E.I.T.) MCAS 

Electronic Devices 

Media Center/Library 

Eligibility – Athletics & Extracurricular Mission Statement and Expectations 

Emergency Situations– Fire Drills & NCLB Regs. (No Child Left Behind) 

Lockdown/Shelter in Place 

National Honor Society 

Table of Contents continues next page...

Table of Contents – pg. 2 

No School Notification 

No Sign-Out List 

Non-Discrimination Policy 

Parent/Guardian - Teacher Conferences 

Parental Consent, Release from Liability 

Pass/Fail or Audit Options 

Passing Time 

Physical Education/Exemption 

Physical Restraint 

Probation 

Program of Studies Guide 

Promotion & Retention 

Report Cards and Student Status 

(Progress) Reports 

Rubrics (See Appendix) 

Schedule Changes (Add/Drop Courses) 

School Climate 

School Council 

School Store- RamStand 

Search and Seizure 

Sex Education – Parent Notification 

Sexual Harassment Policy 

Skateboarding/Roller Blading 

Smoking/Tobacco Policy 

Special Education 

Student Identification Cards (ID) 

Student Meetings 

Student Records 

Student Rights and Responsibilities 

Student Status Report Report Cards 

Summer School 

Summer Reading 

Telephone Use 

Telephone Directory 

Textbooks 

Unauthorized Areas 

Use of Facilities 

Vacation Policy 

Valuables/Lost and Found 

Vending Machines 

Visitors & Volunteers 

Webpage 

Wellness Program 

Withdrawal of Students 

Work Permits 

Appendix – 

School wide rubrics 

JOL info 

District calendar 

District Contacts 

Local Counseling Resources 

Parenting Resources 

Telephone Extension List

ACADEMIC & STUDENT SUPPORT 

Students are encouraged to participate in one of the many academic support activities offered at Northbridge 

High School and to seek out assistance from their teachers, Guidance, or Administration. Parents are urged to 

contact the classroom teacher directly whenever concerns or questions arise (See Telephone Extension List). A 

proactive approach and frequent communications will help to resolve and identify problem areas sooner than 

later. 

In addition to our guidance and teaching staff, the following programs are in place: 

Early Intervention Team (EIT) . This Team will assist in identifying students who may require additional 

support, both academically and socially. The team’s proactive approach is designed to develop strategies to 

meet the needs of individual students as well as the overall school population. The EIT will assist in the 

identification of transitional and school wide issues which may result in workshops and presentations on such 

topics as stress reduction, anger management, self-esteem, etc. 

Extra Help Sessions. Teachers are available after school to provide help and assistance to students. All 

teachers will announce and post their extra help days in their classroom. Teachers may assign extra help 

sessions to students whenever they feel the student is not working at his/her full potential or whenever absences 

are impacting overall performance. 

Library Media Center. The Library Media Center will be open for students to access resources at varying 

times throughout the year. 

Link Crew. Students in upper grade levels link-up with freshmen and all new students to Northbridge High 

School to provide mentoring and assist with social and academic success. 

Peer Mediation. Our program is designed to help students learn how to negotiate, mediate and resolve 

conflicts. Peer mediators will help students resolve differences and may be considered in student conflicts. Peer 

mediators may be used in lieu of disciplinary measures. Training is provided. 

Peer Tutors. Students experiencing difficulty in a particular class can often benefit from the support and 

tutoring of their peers. Any student wishing to arrange for a peer tutor should discuss this arrangement with 

their Guidance Counselor. 

Technology HELP Desk. Students will receive technology support assistance on an “as needed” basis by 

accessing the HELP Desk located in the media center. Students and teachers at varying times throughout the 

year staff the HELP Desk.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT TESTING 

Students have the opportunity to enroll in a number of Advanced Placement courses. All Advanced 

Placement courses will follow the guidelines suggested by THE COLLEGE BOARD and will prepare the 

student for the AP exam at the end of the year. Please refer to the Program of Studies Guide for specific course 

descriptions and enrollment procedures.

ALCOHOL, DRUGS, FELONY CHARGES, WEAPONS, ASSAULTS ON 

SCHOOL PERSONNEL (Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 71, Sec. 37H; 

Chapter 71, Sec. 371/2 H) 

We recognize the complex and serious problem of drug and alcohol abuse in today’s society. We continue to 

support a proactive approach to these concerns by providing both short and long-term interventions. These 

programs are designed to educate and increase awareness amongst our students, parent/guardian and 

community. 

The goal of this policy is to send a strong message to students and the community that we will not tolerate drugs 

and alcohol in our high school, on school grounds or at any related school sponsored events. This is intended to 

send a clear message of reassurance to the vast majority of our students who are focused on their education: we 

foster, value, and are committed to a safe, positive learning environment. Any substance abuse violation will be 

treated as a serious violation of school rules and Massachusetts law. The following information is stated in the 

Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, and Section 37 H. 

M.G.L. c. 71 §37H 

A. Any student who is found on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including 

athletic games, in possession of a dangerous weapon, including but not limited to, a gun or a knife, or a 

controlled substance as defined in Chapter 94 C, including but not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, and 

heroin, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the Principal. 

B. Any student who assaults a Principal, Assistant Principal, teacher, teacher’s aide or other educational staff 

on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including athletic games, may be subject 

to expulsion form the school or school district by the Principal. 

C. Any student who is charged with a violation of either paragraph (a) or (b) shall be notified in writing of an 

opportunity for a hearing; provided however, that the student may have representation, along with the 

opportunity to present evidence and witnesses at said hearing before the principal. After said hearing, a 

principal may, in his/her discretion, decided to suspend rather than expel a student who has been determined 

by the principal to have violated either paragraph (a) or (b). 

D. Any student who has been expelled from a school district pursuant to these provisions shall have the right to 

appeal to the Superintendent. The expelled student shall have 10 days from the date of the expulsion to 

notify the Superintendent of this appeal. The student has the right to counsel at a hearing before the 

Superintendent. The subject matter of the appeal shall not be limited solely to a factual determination of 

whether the student has violated any provisions of this section. 

E. When a student is expelled under the provision of this section, no school or school district within the 

Commonwealth shall be required to admit such student or to provide education services to said student. If 

said student does apply for admission to another school or school district, the Superintendent of the school 

district to which the application is made may request and shall receive from the Superintendent of the school 

expelling said student a written statement of the reasons for said expulsion. 

Alcohol, etc...Continues next page...

Any student who is in violation will be subject to the following disciplinary actions: 

If a student is found in possession of alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia or if a determination is made that 

the student is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or prescription/over the counter 

medication the following actions will be taken: 

• Out-of-school suspension for up to ten (10) school days pending a formal disciplinary hearing 

• Notification made to the parent/guardian 

• Notification made to police as determined by Administration 

• Make other referrals as appropriate 

• Schedule an expulsion hearing with the Principal 

If a student is found on school premises or at a school-sponsored event in possession of a dangerous weapon, 

the following disciplinary actions will be taken: 


Notification made to the parent/guardian 

• Notification made to police as determined by Administration. 



If a student assaults school personnel on school property or at a school-sponsored event, the following 

disciplinary actions will be taken: 


• Notification made to the parent/guardian 

• Notification made to police as determined by Administration. 



Felony Charges -- Chapter 71 §37H1/2 

M.G.L. c. 71 §37H1/2 provides as follows: 

Upon the issuance of a criminal complaint charging a student with a felony or upon the issuance of a felony 

delinquency complaint against a student, the Principal or Headmaster of a school in which the student is 

enrolled may suspend such student for a period of time determined appropriate by said Principal or Headmaster 

if said Principal or Headmaster determines that the student's continued presence in school would have a 

substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school. The student shall receive written notification 

of the charges and the reasons for such suspension prior to such suspension taking effect. The student shall also 

receive written notification of his right to appeal and the process for appealing such suspension; provided, 

however, that such suspension shall remain in effect prior to any appeal hearing conducted by the 

Superintendent. 

Felony charges etc...Continues next page...

The student shall have the right to appeal the suspension to the Superintendent. The student shall notify the 

Superintendent in writing of his/her request for an appeal no later than five (5) calendar days following the 

effective date of the suspension. The Superintendent shall hold a hearing with the student and the student's 

parent or guardian within (3) three calendar days of the student's request for an appeal. At the hearing, the 

student shall have the right to present oral and written testimony on his behalf, and shall have the right to 

counsel. The Superintendent shall have the authority to overturn or alter the decision of the Principal or 

Headmaster, including recommending an alternate educational program for the student. The Superintendent 

shall render a decision on the appeal within five (5) calendar days of the hearing. Such decision shall be the 

final decision of the city, town or regional school district with regard to the suspension. 

Upon a student being convicted of a felony or upon an adjudication or admission in court of guilt with respect to 

such a felony or felony delinquency, the Principal or Headmaster of a school in which the student is enrolled 

may expel said student if such Principal or headmaster determines that the student's continued presence in 

school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school. The student shall 

receive written notification of the charges and reasons for such expulsion prior to such expulsion taking effect. 

The student shall also receive written notification of his right to appeal and the process for appealing such 

expulsion; provided, however, that the expulsion shall remain in effect prior to any appeal hearing conducted by 

the Superintendent. 

The student shall have the right to appeal the expulsion to the Superintendent. The student shall notify the 

Superintendent in writing of his request for an appeal no later than five calendar days following the effective 

date of the expulsion. The Superintendent shall hold a hearing with the student and the student's parent or 

guardian within three (3) calendar days of the expulsion. At the hearing, the student shall have the right to 

present oral and written testimony on his behalf, and shall have the right to counsel. The Superintendent shall 

have the authority to overturn or alter the decision of the Principal or Headmaster, including recommending an 

alternate educational program for the student. The Superintendent shall render a decision on the appeal within 

five (5) calendar days of the hearing. Such decision shall be the final decision of the city, town or regional 

school district with regard to the expulsion. Upon expulsion of such student, no school or school district shall 

be required to provide educational services to such student. 

Violations 

Where a violation of the Policy has been reported by a third party, and an alleged victim fails to cooperate with 

the investigation, or denies the incident occurred, disciplinary and corrective action may be precluded or limited, 

depending upon circumstances and availability of information from other sources. 

Discipline 

If a student has been found in violation of M.G.L. c. 71 §37H1/2, the District will impose disciplinary measures 

and/or corrective action to end and prevent further occurrences of the complained of action(s). The District will 

take into account harm suffered by the victim(s) as well as any damage to school or District property. The 

nature of any action taken must comply with District and school disciplinary policies. Any disciplinary or 

corrective action shall conform to the due process requirements of federal and state law. 

Discipline, etc...Continues next page...

Action concerning students may include a written warning; classroom or school transfer; suspension (short- or 

long-term); exclusion from school-sponsored functions, after-school programs and/or extra-curricular activities; 

limited or denied access to parts or areas of the building; exclusion, expulsion or discharge from school; adult 

supervision on school premises; parent conferences; an apology to the victim; awareness training; empathy 

development awareness programs; counseling or any other action authorized by and consistent with the Student 

Code of Conduct and/or school disciplinary code. The District complies with federal and state laws and 

regulations pertaining to the discipline of students with disabilities. 

Individuals also have the right to seek a remedy from the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination 

(MCAD), One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108 (617) 727-3990, the Massachusetts Department of 

Elementary and Secondary Education, 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148 (781) 338-3300 and or the Regional 

office of Civil Rights for the United States Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 222 John W. 

McCormack Building, Boston, MA 02109, (617) 223-9662. 

**Information from Attorney General Thomas Reilly’s Safe Schools Initiative Sample Policy for Promoting 

Civil Rights and Prohibiting Harassment, Bullying, Discrimination and Hate Crimes, June 24, 2005, was used in 

drafting this document.

ANNOUNCEMENTS, POSTERS & COMMUNIQUES 

Morning announcements will take place at the end of 1st block. Announcements will begin with the Pledge of 

Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. Students should stand out of respect during the recitation of the 

pledge and the moment of silence. Per, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 71 §69 (2005) which reads “Each teacher at the 

commencement of the first class of each day in all grades in all public schools shall lead the class in a group 

recitation of the ‘Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.’ 

Students are encouraged to volunteer to participate in these announcements. Any student wishing to have a 

general announcement read should stop by the Main Office and pick-up an announcement form. An Advisor or 

Administrator must approve any announcements or postings in advance. Students will be required to use the 

appropriate materials for posting. 

General school information may also be posted regularly on cable, newsletters, school message boards, the 

information hotline and our web page.

ASSEMBLIES 

Assemblies are an important part of a student’s educational career. Individual classes, groups, or outside 

affiliations sponsor many assemblies. We expect all students to act respectfully and responsibly demonstrating 

mutual respect for all guests and one another. In the rare circumstance where a student acts inappropriately, 

he/she will be immediately removed from the assembly and may be prohibited from attending any such activity 

in the future.

ATHLETICS (See Eligibility) 

Activities and athletics may vary from year to year. The schedule for the 2011-2012 school year is not yet 

finalized as of this printing. 

Baseball 

Basketball (Boys/Girls) 

Cheer-leading 

Cross country (Boys/Girls) 

Field hockey 

Football 

Ice Hockey 

Golf (Co-Ed) 

Lacrosse (Boys/Girls) 

Soccer (Boys/Girls) 

Softball 

Track, In-Door/Out-Door (Boys/Girls) 

Wrestling 

Tennis 

Swimming (Co-ed) 

Varsity, JV 

Varsity, JV, Freshmen 

Fall/Winter 

Varsity 

Varsity, JV 

Varsity, JV, Freshmen 

Varsity 

Varsity 

Varsity, JV 

Varsity, JV 

Varsity, JV 

Varsity 

Varsity 

Varsity 

Varsity 

A student must complete the Northbridge Public Schools Parental Consent, Release from Liability and 

Indemnity Agreement/Northbridge Consent to Participation in Athletics/Extracurricular Activities form 

prior to participation in any athletic, co-curricular, extracurricular or field trip activity and satisfy any 

fees for participation. 

Athletic Schedule 

Visit High School Sports.NET for updated athletic information including schedules, stats, and directions. 

CONCUSSION PROTOCOL 

Before Beginning any Extracurricular Athletic Activity 

Massachusetts state law currently requires that parents and legal guardians of students participating in the 

Athletic Program, Athletic Trainers, Coaches, Athletic Directors, parents volunteering at athletic events, nurses, 

Marching Band Directors, and marching band members take a free on-line course annually to familiarize 

themselves with the signs and symptoms of a concussion. There are two courses available that contain all 

information required by the law. These courses will also discuss proper response to a suspected concussion, 

return to play protocols, and suggestions for prevention of sports related head injuries. Northbridge Public 

Schools highly encourages student-athletes to take this course, as well. If a parent or student athlete does not 

have access to these online courses, they may be given printed materials with information about concussions to 

read. 

Concussion in Sports : What you need to know is from the National Federation of State High School 

Associations and can be accessed at: 

http://www.nfhslearn.com/electiveDetail.aspx?courseID=15000 

Athletics...Continues next page...

Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and 

can be accessed at: 

http://www.cdc.gov/Concussion/HeadsUp/training/HeadsUpConcussion.html 

Parents/Guardians/Athletes 

• Provide the school nurse with a physical examination within 13 months of the start of the current sports 

season. 

• Student and parent/guardian will sign the Athletic/Co-curricular Activities Assessment Form indicating 

any past history of concussion and fill out the Concussion History form. 

• All athletes will take the IMPACT test prior to participating in any sport. 

• 

If A Head Injury Occurs 

• Any student, who during a practice or competition, sustains a head injury or suspected concussion, or 

exhibits signs and symptoms of a concussion, shall be removed from the practice or competition 

immediately and may not return to the practice or competition that day. 

• The student shall not return to play unless and until the student provides medical clearance and 

authorization by a physician or nurse practitioner. 

• The coach shall communicate the nature of the injury directly to the parent in person or by phone 

immediately after the game or practice in which a student has been removed from play for a head injury 

or suspected concussion. The coach also must provide this information to the parent in writing by the 

end of the next business day. 

Parents/Guardians/Athletes 

• Communicate with the school nurse regarding student symptoms and medical follow-up 

• Provide the school nurse with medical assessments and recommendations in writing, including a written 

clearance to return to play from the student’s health care provider. 

• The student and parent will report symptoms to the nurse and work with her to develop an ongoing, 

gradual re-entry plan for school. 

“Away” Contest Protocol 

It is important to note that students, coaches, and parents are held to this same protocol when they compete on 

the road at “away” athletic events. 

Please note that concussion information sheets may be downloaded by visiting 

www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/highschool.html.

ATTENDANCE POLICY & PROCEDURES (See vacation policy) 

Attendance Philosophy 

Research shows that few factors within students’ and families’ control are more closely associated with 

academic success than school attendance. Students need to be in the classroom to benefit from the teacher’s 

instruction, and from interactions and exchanges of ideas with peers. Excessive absences affect the culture of 

the classroom, where the faculty seeks to build a community of learners. A student’s excessive absences or 

tardiness can lead to incomplete and unsatisfactory work, a reduced capacity to meet curricular standards, and 

lower course grades. 

Parents/guardians are partners with the school and faculty in assuring that students have good attendance and 

arrive in class on time. The School Committee does recognize that parent/guardians of children attending our 

schools have special rights as well as responsibilities, one of which is to ensure that their children attend school 

regularly, in accordance with state law. 

A student's understanding of the importance of day to day school work is an important factor in the shaping of 

his/her character. Parents can help their children by refusing to allow them to miss school needlessly. 

According to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 76, Sec. 1, every child is required to attend school on a 

regular daily basis. Parents do not have the option of keeping a student out of school for other than the 

excusable reasons. Even if the absence (either requested in advance or explained later) meets the approval of 

the parent, the school makes the final determination as to whether or not it is excusable. Chronically absent 

students and their parents may meet with the Assistant Principal in an attempt to improve attendance. An 

attendance contract may be established. One provision of the contract may be the withdrawal of the student 

from one or more courses if the terms of the contract are not met. 

Parent/guardians must provide a written note and a phone call for the absence and tardiness of a child. This will 

be required in advance for types of absences where advance notice is possible. 

In instances of chronic or irregular absence reportedly due to illness, the school administration may request a 

physician's statement certifying such absences to be justifiable. 

Regardless of the reason for the student’s absence, and regardless of whether parents have submitted a written 

note or called the school to explain the absence or tardiness of their child, students will be officially recorded as 

absent or tardy on days when they are not in attendance at school or are late coming to school. Students with 

excessive attendance issues may be determined to be ineligible to participate in class and/or school sponsored 

events. 

If a student is absent, for other than the reasons stated above, seven full-day sessions or fourteen half day 

sessions within any six-month period, the parent/guardian and student may be sent a written notice and may be 

provided with the opportunity to meet with a designated staff person within ten school days to discuss the 

student’s status, and determine any reasonable accommodations to ensure the student’s consistent attendance in 

school. 

Attendance Policy Continues next page...

If a student is absent without medical excuse for fifteen (15) consecutive school days, the parents and student 

shall be sent written notice and shall be provided with the opportunity to meet with the a designated staff person 

within ten (10) school days to discuss the student’s status and educational opportunities that are available within 

the District. If the student and parents refuse or fail to participate in such a meeting, the student will be 

considered to have withdrawn from the Northbridge Public Schools. 

Students with excessive attendance issues may be determined to be ineligible to participate in class and/or 

school sponsored events, subject to disciplinary action, require a parental conference or require referral to the 

Early Intervention Team (EIT). While the responsibility for attendance is a parent/guardian/student/school 

partnership, the school recognizes that exceptions may arise. 

All absences, dismissals and tardiness will be considered “unexcused” and count towards overall credit loss 

except for the following: 

 

 

 

 

 

Absences due to illness, including doctor visitations. An illness is defined as an absence for medical 

reasons. Absences due to medical reasons will be excused with a physician’s note. 

Bereavement, when confirmed in writing by parent/guardian. 

Observance of religious holidays. 

Approved school related activities including field trips, college visits, and job interviews. 

Mandated legal appearances. 

Appropriate documentation must be submitted for these absences to be excused and not subject to overall credit 

loss. While informing the school by telephone or with a note from a parent of an absence is required, this does 

NOT necessarily excuse the absence without additional documentation. 

The new federal law, No Child Left Behind, and Massachusetts regulations now require 95% attendance for all 

students. The entire school population, including individual groups (i.e. free/reduced lunch recipients, Title I 

students, special education students) within the school, must each year meet the 95% required attendance level 

for the school to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and an acceptable performance level. AYP and 

performance will negatively affect school financing if the standard attendance is not met. It is important that all 

students attend school at all times 

Loss of credit will be deducted from the overall credits accumulated per quarter. Credit lost due to 

attendance will be reflected on the report card only at the end of each Semester. Credit loss is calculated as 

follows: 

On the 7 th unexcused absence per quarter 

On the 13 th unexcused absence per quarter 

.625 Credits 

1.25 Credits 

Note: Every 3 unexcused tardies/dismissals = 1 absence 

Attendance Policy Continues next page...

Credit Recovery 

Students who have lost credits due to the attendance policy will be given the opportunity to earn the credits back 

by demonstrating marked improvement in their overall attendance in subsequent quarters. A student who has 

lost credit may earn up to 1.25 credits back per quarter by maintaining a 95% or better attendance record for an 

entire quarter. If a 90% or better attendance record is maintained for an entire quarter a student may earn up to . 

625 credits back per quarter. Restored credit will be posted at the end of each semester. It is the responsibility 

of the STUDENT to request that credits be restored if they believe their attendance has met the requirements for 

restoration in the quarter by filling out credit restoration form which is available in the main office. 

Students who have lost credit due to attendance (not coursework) may be allowed to participate in a school-tocareer 

community service contract. Credit may be restored upon successful completion of 30 hours per 1.25 

credits lost. This must be approved in advance by the principal. 

Absences – Procedures for calling 

Parent/guardian must notify the school if their child is absent. In order to properly distribute an accurate 

attendance list to staff, parent/guardian must notify the school no later than 8 AM. Attendance information may 

be left on the 24-hour voice automated attendance lines. To access this attendance line: 

1. Dial the High School (508) 234-6221 

2. Use Auto Attendant - Follow automated instructions 

3. If you have more than one child in the high school, you may leave messages for all on the attendance 

line. Please state your child’s name, grade, your name, reason for absence and length of absence. 

If we do not receive a call, the school will contact the parent/guardian at the home number via Connect-Ed. 

You may request a change in the notification number by contacting the high school Main Office. 

Tardiness 

The warning bell rings at 7:20. Students are expected to be in their seats and prepared for class by 7:25. 

Students arriving at 7:30 should check in at the main office. Tardiness is not excused. 

ANY STUDENT TARDY TO FIRST BLOCK WILL FORFEIT HIS/HER ENTIRE BREAK FOR 

THAT DAY. STUDENTS MUST REMAIN WITH THEIR FIRST BLOCK TEACHER TO MAKE UP 

THE TIME LOST. 

Early Dismissals 

Students must be present for ½ day (no dismissals before 10:45, nor arrivals after 10:45) to be eligible to 

participate in any school related activity and receive credit for a full day. Unexcused dismissals are considered 

class cuts. 

All students must enter or exit via the School’s main entrance doors. Any student leaving school must 

sign out in the Main Office and exit via the Main entrance. All students must report directly to class 

after checking into school. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS 

Northbridge High School recognizes the achievements of its students in many and varied ways including 

academics, athletics, attendance, community service, leadership, and overall student performance. Recognizing 

our students is a yearlong activity and we value the importance of doing so in many and varied ways. In 

addition to these initiatives, three formal celebrations are held each school year: Senior Class Night, Junior 

MEDALISTS Reception and Underclassman Awards. We invite students, parent/guardian, family and friends 

to join us in recognition of our outstanding students. 

The GOLD MEDAL (est. 1895) is the highest academic award at this school. The graduating senior must 

have earned: 105 Credits 90 (A-) or above and none lower than 80 (B-). 

The SILVER “N” (est. 1984) recognizes academic achievement for graduating seniors who have earned: 

115 credits majority 90 (A-) or 80 (B-), with the majority A’s and none lower than 70 (C-) 

The BRONZE “N” (est. 1991) recognizes academic achievement for graduating seniors who have earned 

105 credits of 90 (A-) or 80 (B-), and none lower than 70 (C-). 

Valedictorian and the Salutatorian are ranked first and second respectively in the graduating class as 

determined by their Grade Point Average. Students must be in residence four semesters. 

Class Marshall is elected by the graduating class and leads the class throughout senior week. 

Superintendent’s Academic Excellence Award recognizes a student who has excelled in academics. 

Principal’s Leadership Award recognizes a student who has demonstrated leadership qualities. 

Departmental Awards (est. 1980) recognizes students who excelled in specific disciplines throughout high 

school. 

RAMS Award (est. 2007) recognizes superior growth and development by a member of the graduating class in 

the areas of Responsibility – Achievement – Mutual Respect - Service. 

Junior MEDALISTS (est. 1988) are chosen for overall excellence and outstanding achievement in ten 

academic disciplines including Business/Technology Education, Computer Science, Family & Consumer 

Science, English, Fine & Performing Arts, Foreign Language, Math, Social Studies, Health/Wellness. The 

Harvard Book and medal is awarded to the student demonstrating Overall Academic Excellence and Character. 

Juniors receive awards and recognition in the following special areas: 

The Bausch & Lomb Medal in Science 

George Eastman University of Rochester Young Leaders Award 

University of Rochester Frederick Douglas & Susan B. Anthony Humanities & Social Science Award 

The 9th Worcester District Leadership Award - History, Student Government 

The Rensselaer Medal for Excellence in Math and Science

BULLYING, HARASSMENT, and SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICIES 

In accordance with Massachusetts Law Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010, An Act Relative to Bullying in Schools, 

bullying is prohibited in any form: 

• At school and at all school facilities; 

• At school-sponsored or school-related functions, whether on or off school grounds; 

• On school buses and at school bus stops; 

• Through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, licensed or used by a school; and 

• At non-school-related locations and through non-school technology or electronic devices, if the bullying 

affects the school environment. 

To create more positive school climates and prevent as much bullying as possible, age-appropriate instruction 

for students in each grade on bullying prevention must be incorporated into a school’s curriculum. In addition, 

Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs) are required to include measures to ensure that children who are 

particularly vulnerable to bullying obtain the skills to avoid and respond to bullying, an especially challenging 

task for special needs children. 

Professional development for teachers and other staff to help them prevent and stop bullying is required on an 

annual basis. In addition, schools must offer education to parents about bullying prevention. 

To stop bullying as soon as it occurs, all school staff are required to promptly report bullying when they witness 

or become aware of it. A school principal or his designee must immediately investigate and take appropriate 

disciplinary action. The attached policy provides more specific information to guide students, staff, 

administrators, and parents on reporting, investigating, and responding to complaints of bullying and 

harassment. 

Each school district, commonwealth charter school, collaborative, approved private day or residential school 

and non-public school is required to develop a bullying prevention and intervention plan. The principal is 

responsible for implementing the plan. 

Each plan must contain several provisions, including: 

• Procedures for responding to and investigating reports of bullying 

• Strategies for protecting those who report bullying 

• Notice to the parents or guardians of students involved in bullying, including perpetrators and victims 

• Appropriate services for students who have been bullied or who are bullies. 

Promoting Civil Rights And Prohibiting Harassment, Bullying, Discrimination And Hate Crimes 

Northbridge Public Schools prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, national 

origin, sexual orientation, homelessness, or disability, in the operation of the educational programs, activities, or 

employment policies. The District will not tolerate unlawful or disruptive behaviors at school or school-related 

events. The District will promptly investigate all reports and complaints of harassment, bullying, discrimination 

and hate crimes and will take prompt, effective action to end such behaviors including, when appropriate, 

referral to law enforcement agencies. 

Bullying/Harassment Policies Continues next page...

The District prohibits all forms of harassment; bullying, discrimination and hate crimes related or unrelated to 

race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability. The District will not 

tolerate retaliation against those taking action consistent with this Policy. Threats or acts of retaliation, 

regardless of how they are expressed, are serious offenses that will subject the violator to significant disciplinary 

or other corrective actions. 

Student and Staff Responsibilities: 

All students and staff members are responsible for complying with this policy and ensuring that he/she does not 

harass, bully, discriminate, perpetuate a hate crime against another person on school grounds or at a schoolrelated 

activity. Further, each student and staff member is responsible to make sure that s/he does not retaliate 

against any person who reports or files a complaint, or who helps someone report or file a complaint, or for 

cooperating in the investigation of a report of complaint. 

I. Prohibition and Definitions 

Bullying 

Bullying is defined as a form of aggression involving a power imbalance between the bully and victim, where 

the bully has perceived or actual physical, social and/or psychological power over his/her target(s). 

Bullying is defined as the repeated use of a written, verbal, or electronic communication, or a physical act or 

gesture, or any combination thereof, by one or more students directed at another student that has the effect of: 

• Causing physical or emotional harm to the other student or damage to his or her property; 

• Placing the other student in reasonable fear of harm to him or herself or of damage to his or her property; 

• Creating a hostile environment at school for the bullied student; 

• Infringing on the rights of the other student at school; or 

• Materially and substantially disrupting the education process or the orderly operation of a school. 

However, depending on the severity of the incident, a single instance of such misconduct may constitute a 

violation of this Policy. 

Cyber-Bullying 

Cyber-bullying is bullying through the use of technology or any electronic means, and includes the distribution 

of electronic communications or the posting of electronic material that may be accessed by one or more persons. 

“Electronic communication” as used in this policy means any communication through an electronic device, 

including but not limited to a telephone, cell phone, computer, wireless communication device or pager. 

Harassment 

Harassment, including bullying, may take a variety of forms. It is utterly unacceptable in a school or work 

environment. As a result, neither any student, nor employee nor other member of the school community shall be 

subjected to harassment, intimidation, bullying, or cyber-bullying in any public educational institution. 

Harassment is oral, written, graphic, electronic, or physical conduct on school property or at school-related 

activities relating to an individual’s actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, 

sexual orientation, age, or disability that is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent so as to interfere with or 

limit a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the district’s programs or activities by creating a hostile, 

humiliating, intimidating, or offensive educational or work environment. 


Harassment including Bullying, the latter including but not limited to cyber-bullying, as used in this policy 

means an unwelcome written, electronic, verbal or physical communication, act or gesture which: (1) reasonably 

causes a student or employee to feel coerced, intimidated, harassed or threatened and (2) under the 

circumstances foresee-ably may cause: (a) a reasonable person to suffer physical or emotional harm, or (b) 

damage to a student’s or employee’s property, or (c) a disruptive or hostile school environment. 

The behavior must interfere with an employee’s ability to perform his or her duties or with a student’s academic 

performance or ability to learn, or interfere with a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from services, 

activities, or privileges: 

1. That are being offered by or through the school district; or 

2. During any district-related educational program or activity; or 

3. While in school, on or using school district property or equipment, in a school vehicle, on a school 

bus, at school-designated bus stops, at school-sponsored activities, at school-sanctioned events; or 

4. Through the use of data, telephone or computer software that is accessed through a computer, 

computer system, or computer network or any public education institute related to or provided or 

facilitated by the district; or 

5. In circumstances otherwise having a sufficient nexus with the school district. 

A single incident may, depending upon its severity, create a hostile environment. 

Sexual Harassment 

It is the policy of the Northbridge School Committee to provide an educational environment free of sexual 

advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or communications constituting 

sexual harassment as defined by this policy and law. Sexual harassment violates the policies of the district and 

also violates federal and state law, specifically Title IX and Massachusetts General Laws, C. 151C. 

It will be a violation of this policy for any student to be sexually harassed by or to sexually harass another 

student, any employee or volunteer or other person connected with the District through conduct or 

communication of a sexual nature as defined by this policy. Retaliation against a student for filing a complaint, 

under this policy or for assisting in an investigation of sexual harassment is in violation of this policy. 

The legal definition of “Sexual Harassment” is: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and 

other inappropriate verbal, written, electronically transmitted, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: 

1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s 

success as a student; 

2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis of educational decisions 

affecting such individual(s); or 

3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s educational 

performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. 


Sexual harassment has the effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or learning environment 

and may include the following types of activities, but is not limited to these examples: 

• Unwelcome comments 

• Written notes and or drawings 

• Touching (arm, breast, buttocks, shoulders, etc.) 

• Verbal comments (about parts of the body, what type of sex the victim would "be good at," clothing, looks, 

etc.) 

• Starting and repeating sexual rumors 

• Sexual or "dirty" jokes 

• Cartoons, pictures, and pornography 

• Using the computer to leave sexual messages or graffiti, or to play sexually offensive computer games 

• Gestures 

• Pressure for sexual activity 

• Cornering, blocking, standing too close, following, brushing up against the body 

• Conversations that are too personal 

• "Rating" an individual – for example, on a scale from 1 to 10 

• Obscene t-shirts, hats, or pins 

• Showing inappropriate videos and other materials during class 

• Sexual assault and attempted sexual assault 

• Massaging the neck, massaging the shoulders 

• Touching oneself sexually in front of others 

• Graffiti 

• Making kissing sounds or smacking sounds, licking the lips suggestively 

• Howling, catcalls, whistles, leering 

• Repeatedly asking someone out when he/she is not interested 

• Pulling down someone’s pants or forcibly removing other articles of clothing 

• Facial expressions (winking, kissing, etc.) 

• "Slam books" (lists of students’ names with derogatory sexual comments written about them by other 

students) 

II. 

Policy 

A. It is the policy of the Northbridge School District to take pro-active, reasonable measures designed to 

provide a learning and working atmosphere for students, employees and other members of the school 

community free from sexual harassment, bullying, hazing and intimidation. These terms are referenced herein as 

harassment, which is more particularly defined above. The District in the strongest possible terms condemns 

harassment, whether based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or 

any other reason. 

B. It is a violation of policy for any administrator, teacher or other employee, or any student or other 

member of the school community, to engage in or condone harassment in school, on the bus, on school grounds 

or at or in a school-related function, activity, communication or contact, or to fail to report or otherwise take 

reasonable corrective measures when they become aware of an incident of harassment. 


C. This policy is not designed or intended to, nor shall it, limit the school’s authority to take disciplinary or 

remedial action when such harassment occurs out of school, but has a sufficient nexus to school under 

applicable law, or is disruptive to an employee’s or student’s work or participation in school-related activities. 

Reports of harassment, including but not limited to cyber-bullying by electronic or other means, occurring in or 

out of school will be reviewed, and, when a sufficient nexus to school or school-related work exists, will result 

in discipline. 

D. It is the responsibility of every employee, student and parent to recognize acts of harassment and take 

reasonable action to see that the applicable policies and procedures of this school district are implemented. All 

members of the school community are and must act as partners in such efforts if we are to have any reasonable 

chance of success in preventing or minimizing activity of this type, which is harmful to both the victim and the 

perpetrator. 

E. Any employee or student who believes that he or she has been subjected to harassment has the right to 

file a complaint and to receive reasonably prompt and appropriate handling of the complaint. Further, all 

reasonable efforts shall be made to maintain the confidentiality and protect the privacy of all parties, but proper 

enforcement of this policy may require disclosure of any or all information received. 

F. The Building Principal/Designee shall be responsible for assisting employees and students seeking 

guidance or support in addressing matters relating to any form of harassment. 

III. 

Guidelines and Procedures for Investigating and Processing Harassment Claims 

Harassment may take many forms. It could involve an incident of staff member to staff member, staff member 

to student, student to staff member, or student to student. It conceivably could also include parent to a student 

other than the parent’s child, staff member to parent, or parent to staff member. This listing is illustrative and 

the procedures set forth are not intended to limit the definition of harassment, or the District’s authority to take 

appropriate action as to same except to the extent that specific subject matter is expressly addressed herein. 

Guidelines and procedures for dealing with any charge of harassment are as follows: 

A. By law, harassment is defined by the victim’s perception in combination with objective standards 

or expectations. What one person may consider acceptable behavior may be viewed as harassment by 

another person. Therefore, in order to protect the rights of both parties, it is important that the victim 

make it clear to the harasser that the behavior is objectionable. 

B. In all charges of harassment, the victim should describe in writing the specifics of the complaint 

to ensure that the subsequent investigation is focused on the relevant facts. If possible, the victim should 

sign the complaint. Oral and anonymous complaints will be reviewed but are inherently difficult to 

investigate and may not be procedurally fair; as a result, no disciplinary action shall be taken on 

anonymous complaints unless verified by what the administration in the good faith exercise of its 

reasonable discretion deems to be clear and convincing evidence. All other complaints will be reviewed 

based on a preponderance of evidence standard, namely whether the administration in the exercise of its 

aforementioned discretion, taking into account all material information and circumstances, concludes 

that a violation of this policy more likely than not has occurred. 


C. Any school employee who has reasonably reliable information that would lead a reasonable 

person to suspect that a person may be a target of harassment; bullying or intimidation shall 

immediately, as a condition of employment report it to the administration. Each school shall document 

each prohibited incident that is reported and confirmed, and report each such incident and the resulting 

consequences, including discipline and referrals if any, to the Superintendent’s office in timely fashion 

and without any avoidable delay. 

D. A good faith report from a staff member is not grounds for any legal liability and, since such 

reports are a condition of the staff member’s employment, is considered to have been made for purposes 

of the Municipal Tort Claims Act, M.G.L. c. 258. As a result, the employee would not be subject to 

damages simply by reason of making such a report, and in the event of a suit based solely thereon would 

be covered by the school district’s insurance policy which provides defense of such suits. 

E. If an instance of student to student harassment, as defined in Sec. II above, is reported to a staff 

member other than an administrator, the staff member must inform the Building Principal/Designee in 

timely fashion. If the alleged harasser would otherwise be responsible for conducting an investigation, 

the Equity Coordinator designated by the Superintendent shall conduct the investigation and report to the 

alleged harasser’s immediate supervisor. 

F. If a situation involving a charge of staff member to student harassment, or staff member to staff 

member harassment, as defined in Sec. II. above, is brought to the attention of any staff member, the 

staff member should notify the Building Principal immediately. 

G. Once a charge of harassment has been made, the following course of action should be taken: 

The Building Principal or such Principal’s designee should conduct a reasonable, factual 

investigation by means of discussions with the individuals involved, other witnesses if any, 

review of any documents and other, written or electronic materials, etc. 

If the Principal himself or herself does not conduct the investigation, he or she should review the designee’s 

report and supporting documentation (by way of example only, any written, signed statements by the 

complainant setting forth the allegations, any such statement by the accused and witnesses, and any other 

materials such as those mentioned above), as appropriate to the current stage of the investigation. Before making 

any determination as to whether a violation more likely than not has occurred, the Principal may deem it 

necessary or advisable to conduct direct interviews himself or herself during or following such review and 

before making a determination. 

In situations involving allegations against an employee, the employee should be accorded all rights provided by 

any applicable statute and/or collective bargaining agreement, including but not limited to being informed of 

his/her right to have a third party present at the time of the discussion if apt, and in the case of a teacher of the 

right to counsel if any discussion could conceivably lead to a suspension (see, M.G.L. c. 71, sec. 42D). 

In situations involving harassment of students, the Principal should conduct an investigation with the 

appropriate classroom or special subject area teacher. Parents will be informed of the situation and invited to 

participate in resolution discussions if warranted. 


Parents of students alleged to have engaged in harassment for whom suspension is imposed shall be notified that 

they, or one of them must attend a meeting at which the behavior, words or images giving rise to the complaint 

may be reviewed. Before any final decision is made as to whether to impose discipline exceeding ten (10) 

school days, and the nature of such discipline, the student and her or his parent(s) will be informed in reasonable 

detail of the factual allegations underlying the complaint and given an opportunity to respond to and provide any 

information material to same. 

In the school administration’s discretion, depending on its preliminary assessment of the seriousness of a 

reported incident of alleged harassment, a student accused of harassment may be suspended from school under 

the procedures for suspension set forth in the student-parent handbook and not readmitted to the regular school 

program until the student and his or her parent(s) attend such meeting. A ten (10) school day suspension if 

deemed reasonably necessary by the administration may be imposed prior to such a meeting, but before any such 

consequence were imposed the student shall be informed of the ground(s) for such possible suspension in 

sufficient detail to allow the student to respond to the charge(s). A satisfactory conference with the student and 

his or her parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must occur prior to the student’s readmission. 

It is important that each situation be resolved as confidentially and as quickly as circumstances reasonably 

permit. 

At any stage of the proceedings the alleged harasser and the victim may discuss the matter at a resolution 

meeting in the presence of the Principal/Designee, Equity Officer, and/or parent when appropriate. 

During this discussion, the offending behavior should be described by the victim and the administration. If 

warranted, a request for a change in behavior should be made, and a promise should be made that the described 

behavior will stop and not recur. If circumstances do not permit a face to face meeting the administration will 

present the victim’s position. Follow-up verification procedures will be explained. Failure to comply after a 

resolution, if any, is voluntarily reached at such a meeting will result in appropriate discipline. The Principal or 

designee or the Equity Officer at the close of the meeting shall prepare a written summary of the discussion held 

at the meeting and of any resolution, if any, agreed to at same, and shall ask the parties attending the meeting to 

review, date and sign the agreement. The administrator shall sign the summary, and if any party to the meeting 

refuses to sign shall note that fact thereon. No such memorandum must be included in a student’s school record 

or an employee’s personnel file unless otherwise required by law, but the Principal and/or Equity Officer shall 

keep a copy of same in her or his records. 

If after a resolution meeting with the involved parties, the Building Principal determines that further disciplinary 

action must be taken, the following may occur: 

1. In instances involving student to student or student to staff member harassment, subject to applicable 

law and the disciplinary procedures set forth in the student-parent handbook, the student may be subject 

to discipline, including but not limited to counseling, suspension or expulsion. 

2. In instances involving staff member to student and staff member to staff member harassment, 

findings will be reported to the Superintendent of Schools for further action. Personnel action, up to and 

including discharge from employment, may also be initiated at this point, consistent with applicable law 

and collective bargaining agreement. 

3. In all cases where in the good faith judgment of the Principal or Superintendent the circumstances 

so warrant, a referral to law enforcement will be made. School officials will coordinate with the Police 

Department to identify a police liaison for harassment cases. 


Formal Complaint/ Grievance Procedure – Discrimination/Harassment 

Level #1 

If a student, employee of third party believes that she/he: (1) has been subjected to or witnessed harassment or 

discrimination; or (2) has been subjected to or witnessed retaliation against an individual associated with a 

complaint of harassment / discrimination, the student, employee or third party shall report the incident promptly 

to a teacher, counselor or building administrator. The teacher, counselor or administrator shall thereafter refer 

the complainant to the building principal. 

A complaint of harassment / discrimination shall be filed in writing with the building grievance/ harassment 

coordinator (principal or designee). The building grievance/ harassment coordinator shall meet with 

complainant to obtain all relevant information regarding the complaint including the names of witnesses and any 

documentary evidence, conduct an investigation, and respond to the complainant in writing within ten (10) 

school working days. Copies of the written response to the complainant will be provided to the Superintendent 

and the appropriate District-wide grievance officer. Where appropriate, immediate action may be taken by the 

building grievance/ harassment coordinator to prevent recurrence of any harassment and to correct its 

discriminatory effect(s) on the complainant. 

Level #2 

If a satisfactory resolution is not achieved at Level #1, the complainant may, within ten (10) school working 

days of receiving the decision rendered at Level #1, file a grievance with the Administrator of Special Education 

(for discrimination/harassment on the basis of disability) or the Director of Operations (for all other forms of 

discrimination/harassment), who shall meet with the complainant, conduct further investigation (where 

appropriate) and shall provide a written response to the aggrieved party within ten (10) school working days. 

Where appropriate, immediate action may be taken by the District-wide grievance officer to prevent recurrence 

of any harassment/discrimination and to correct its discriminatory effect(s) on the complainant. 

Level #3 

If a satisfactory solution is not achieved at Level #2, the complainant may file a written appeal to the 

Superintendent of the Northbridge Public Schools. The Superintendent will meet with the complainant, conduct 

further investigation (where appropriate), and will provide a written response to the aggrieved party within ten 

(10) school days. The Superintendent’s decision on the complainant’s appeal shall constitute the District’s final 

decision with regard to the complainant’s grievance. 

Extension of Timelines 

Investigative deadlines may be extended under extenuating circumstances such as illness or if necessary to fully 

and adequately complete the investigation. Complainants shall be provided with notice of any extension of 

timelines set forth in the District’s Harassment/Discrimination Grievance Procedures. 


Complaint Procedure for Sexual Harassment 

If you feel that someone has sexually harassed or is sexually harassing you, you should file a complaint by 

following the steps outlined below: 

1. Speak or send a note to any employee of the school district, whom you trust, (i.e., nurse, 

psychologist/counselor, teacher, principal, assistant principal, superintendent, etc.). You can also speak to 

your parents who can then notify the superintendent, principal or assistant principal. Remember that the 

complaint procedure does not start until school/district personnel receive the complaint. 

2. Within two school days of receipt of the verbal complaint, the employee will notify the 

principal/superintendent, and your parent/guardian will be notified of the pending complaint. Where 

appropriate, the Principal/designee will propose and discuss with you/your parents informal resolution of 

your complaint. 

3. If you have not or do not want to put the complaint in writing, the employee will do so. This should be done 

no later than two (2) school days after you have talked, or given the note, to the employee. The complaint 

has to be put in writing to make sure that the employee fully and correctly understands the issue(s). A copy 

of the complaint, in writing, will be reviewed with you and your parent/guardian to ensure accuracy, before 

it is shared with the subject of the complaint. 

4. The employee will refer the written complaint to the principal/superintendent. All complaints of sexual 

harassment will be investigated and responded to in accordance with the District’s Harassment 

/Discrimination Complaint Procedure as set forth in this Handbook. 

Other State and Federal Agencies 

At any stage in this complaint process, the complainant has the right to file formal complaints with the Regional 

Office for Civil Rights, 33 Arch Street, Suite 900 Boston, MA 02110-1491 or with the Massachusetts 

Commission Against Discrimination, One Ashburton Place, Sixth Floor, Room 601, Boston, MA 02108 (617- 

994-6000), or with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 350 Main Street, 

Malden, Massachusetts 02148 (781-338-3300). For complaints of discrimination on the basis of disability the 

complainant may also file a written Request for Hearing with the Department of Elementary and Secondary 

Education’s Bureau of Special Education Appeals, 350 Main Street, Malden, Massachusetts 02148 (781-338- 

3300). 

All information in this notice complies with Massachusetts Student Records Regulations 

and The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Northbridge School Policies 

Reporting Harassment, Bullying, Discrimination or Hate Crimes 

Students can report any case of harassment, bullying, discrimination or hate crimes to any adult in the school 

who is then responsible to inform the building principal or designee. The school principal or designee is 

responsible for receiving reports and complaints of violations at the school level. 


Any member of the school community who is informed of, or believes, that harassment, bullying, 

discrimination, retaliation or a hate crime has occurred or may have occurred at school or in a school-related 

activity must promptly report the incidents to the building principal or designee. In situations where a student or 

other person is uncomfortable reporting the incident directly to a designated official, she/he may report it to a 

trusted school employee who must promptly inform a designated official. 

Discrimination/Harassment Complaint Procedure - Statement of Definition 

Students, employees and/or third parties have the right to file a complaint/grievance about an alleged violation 

of the Northbridge School Committee’s Policy Prohibiting Discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, 

religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation or disability, in the operation of the educational programs, 

activities, or employment policies. Students, employees and/or third parties who wish to file a 

grievance/complaint regarding discrimination/harassment in educational services or employment may do so in 

accordance with this Grievance Procedure. 

False Reports 

False claims of discrimination/harassment can cause permanent damage to the victim of such claims and must 

therefore be treated as a very serious matter. A false claim may be considered grounds for dismissal of staff, or 

discipline including removal from the educational setting for a student, who makes a false claim. 

Ensuring Safety During Investigation 

The Principal or designee will take any step he/she determines is necessary and/or advisable to protect, to the 

extent practicable, the complainant, witnesses, and other individuals from further incidents or from retaliation 

pending the outcome of the investigation. 

Consequences 

Any student or employee found to have discriminated against or harassed a member of the school community 

will be subject to disciplinary consequences including, but not limited to, termination of employment or 

exclusion from school (in accordance with procedures relating to the disciplinary exclusion of students). 

IV. 

Prohibition on Retaliation: 

Retaliation against any person, who reports bullying or harassment in any form, including threats, intimidation, 

reprisal or sexual harassment, towards any person who makes a harassment or bullying complaint, or who 

assists in or participates in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing is strictly prohibited. If retaliation occurs, it 

may be considered grounds for dismissal of staff, or removal from the educational setting for a student, who 

perpetrates a retaliatory act or causes or encourages retaliatory acts. No one may retaliate against you for filing 

a complaint. Further, no one may retaliate against any student, employee, or any other person because they 

provided information or helped in the investigation. If any person feels that he/she has been subjected to 

retaliation, he/she should file a complaint with the principal/superintendent. 

1. A man/boy, as well as a woman/girl, may be the victim of sexual harassment, and a woman/girl, as well as a 

man/boy, may be the harasser. 

2. The victim may be the same or opposite sex as the harasser. 


3. The victim does not have to be the person at whom the unwelcome sexual conduct is directed. The victim 

may also be someone who is affected by such conduct when it is directed toward another person. For 

example, inappropriate attempts at humor or the sexual harassment of one girl (or boy) may create an 

intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for another girl (or boy) or may unreasonably interfere with 

an individual’s educational performance. 

V. Confidentiality: 

Reports of harassment should be kept completely confidential to the extent consistent with necessary 

investigation procedures, with the goal of protecting the victim and stopping the behavior. 

For further information about these guidelines or help with sexual harassment problems or any other form of 

harassment, consult the Northbridge School District Equity Coordinator.

BUS PRIVILEGES/ TRANSPORTATION SERVICES 

Students are entitled to transportation to and from school at the expense of the public schools when such 

transportation conforms to applicable provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws. Transportation will be 

provided to and from the student’s residential neighborhood or to and from the same daycare facility only 

Transportation is provided for Kindergarten – Gr. 4 students who live more than 1/2 mile from school. (MGL 

Ch71, Section 7A). 

Transportation by bus to and from school is a privilege for pupils who qualify by the Rules and Regulations of 

the Northbridge School Committee and the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The school bus is an 

extension of the school itself, and the rules regarding behavior are the same as in school. It shall be understood 

that the right of the pupil to use transportation to and from school is a qualified right dependent on good 

behavior 

SCHOOL BUS RULES 

A. No student shall ride home on a bus to which he/she is not assigned except with written permission from 

Principal or the Transportation Supervisor. 

B. The Principal or designee may deprive students from riding the school bus for a length of time if 

the student violates acceptable behavior and discipline. In such cases, the Principal or designee will file a 

report with the parent/guardian and the Transportation Supervisor. 

C. A report will be filed with the police in cases of vandalism or any situation subject to the rules of law and 

our discipline code. 

Bus rules advise students to: 

• Walk on the side facing traffic to and from the bus stop on roads and highways where there are no 

sidewalks. 

• Be on time at the pick-up point. We recommend that students be at the bus stop 5 minutes before pick-up 

time. Dogs must be restrained at home when buses are expected. 

• In crossing the highway after leaving the bus, cross only after the driver signals that it is safe to cross. 

• Pass in front of the bus, and look both ways before crossing the street. 

• Keep all items out of the aisle. Keep the bus neat, and do not mark, cut, or break any part of the bus. 

• Do not throw anything in the bus or out the windows. Do not put hands, arms, or other parts of your body 

out of the windows or rear exit door from the bus at any time. 

• Do not eat or drink on the bus. 

• Be respectful to the bus driver. He/she has a very important job to do and needs your help. The driver’s 

ears and eyes need to be focused on the road in order to drive to and from school. Do not shout or make 

other noises that might distract the bus driver. Do not talk to the bus driver while the bus is moving, but 

report any emergencies to him/her at once. 

• No student shall ride home on a bus to which he/she is not assigned. The school principal or assistant 

principal may deprive students from riding the bus for a length a time if the student violates these rules. In 

all cases the principal or the assistant principal must make a report to the parents and transportation 

supervisor. 

Bus Policy Continues next page...

For any alleged violation of the previously stated rules, the bus driver will notify the principal. 

The bus driver will make notification to the Principal or designee. Depending upon the nature of the offense, 

disciplinary action may be necessary, up to and including suspension of all bus privileges. The Massachusetts 

policy on disciplining students will govern procedures to be followed for special education students with a 

current approved Individual Education Plan (IEP). 

CONSEQUENCES 

• On the first offense the principal will notify the parents. 

• On the second offense the offender may be suspended from the bus for a maximum of three school days at 

the discretion of the principal or his/her designee based on the severity of the offense. 

• On the third offense the offender will be suspended from the bus for a minimum of 5 school days, or a 

maximum of a school year at the discretion of the principal or his/her designee. 

• Repeated offenses may result in suspension of bus privileges for a period of up to the remainder of the 

school year. 

• In case of serious offenses affecting the safety of the school bus and its occupants, the offender may lose 

his/her school bus privileges for a maximum of a school year (180 school days). 

No suspension takes effect until a letter is sent home and/or a parent conference is held. If a parent wishes an 

appeal, the principal will arrange a meeting with the parent, the bus contractor, and the bus driver to discuss the 

problem. 

TRANSPORTATION EMERGENCY PROTOCOL 

If a student has a medical emergency on the school bus or other school-provided transportation, the following 

procedures should be followed: 

1. Driver immediately notifies dispatcher. 

2. Dispatcher calls 911 and the Principal of the school that the child attends (IF after two attempts there is 

no answer at school, the dispatcher will contact Central Office). 

3. Principal or designee calls the parent, informs them of the incident, and notifies the parent of the 

hospital/clinic to which the student has been transported. 

4. Principal shall immediately inform the Superintendent of Schools of the incident. Within three (3) days, 

the Principal shall submit to the Superintendent a written report of the incident and the actions taken in 

response thereto. 

5. Within two (2) days, the Principal shall obtain a written report of the incident from the transportation 

provider. 

USE OF VIDEO CAMERAS ON BUSES 

Students should be aware that they may be under audio and video taped surveillance while riding on 

Northbridge Public School buses. Cameras may be used to monitor students' behavior on buses in order to 

promote the safe transportation of students. Videotapes of students riding on buses may be used to foster 

security, promote students' safety and monitor student misconduct. 

Prior notice must be given to the Superintendent before any video is reviewed. The Superintendent or her 

designee shall review any videotape if any misconduct is alleged.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

Located on our webpage and updated continually.

CHILD ABUSE (Reporting) 

Under General Laws Chapter 119, Section 51A for purposes of reporting child abuse and neglect to the 

Department of Social Services. Under MGL119, Sec. 51A, a school staff member who has reasonable cause to 

believe that a student under the age of 18 is suffering physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or neglect by a parent, 

guardian, school staff member or other caretaker must immediately report the abuse or neglect either directly to 

the Department of Social Services (DSS) or to the person designated by the school to accept those reports, who 

then promptly reports to DSS. 

The Principal and/or Superintendent will report to local police certain forms of harassment and conduct that 

may constitute a crime. The Principal and/or Superintendent may report physical injury, destruction of public 

property, potential hate crimes and other acts of a serious criminal nature to local police for investigation.

CLASS ADVISORS 

Each class is assigned Class Advisors to assist them in a variety of ways. Classes frequently 

work cooperatively to plan and schedule events and activities that add to the positive school 

climate. All students should discuss their ideas and suggestions with their advisors and to meet 

with them to discuss any issue of concern. The Class Advisors for the 2011-2012 year are: 

Class of 2015 Ms. Cote, Mrs. Boudreau 

Class of 2014 Ms. Burke, Mr. Warzecha 

Class of 2013 Mr. Swayze, Mrs. McNeil 

Class of 2012 Mrs. Tubbs, Mr. Finkel

CLASS DUES 

An integral part of a student’s life at Northbridge High School is the privilege to participate in a variety of class 

related events. Many of these events are supported and are made possible by class dues and fundraising 

activities. Each class depends upon the members to be fiscally responsible. Any student who has any form of 

outstanding obligation to their class or to Northbridge High School will be considered ineligible to participate in 

any Class sponsored event (i.e., Ring Dance, Class Government, Prom, Senior Activities Week, Graduation, 

etc.) until such time as the financial obligation has been resolved.

CLASS ELECTIONS 

All students are encouraged to participate in school government. Leadership and service to school and 

community address our social expectations and these activities are supported by class and student council 

elections. 

Elections for student council and class office will take place the first Thursday after graduation for all classes 

except the incoming freshmen class. Freshmen elections will be held the fourth Tuesday in September. Each 

candidate will write and deliver a campaign speech to their classmates prior to Election Day. Class advisors and 

Administration will review all candidates to determine eligibility. Students must be in good standing 

(academics, attendance, discipline) to be considered eligible. The class advisors will review all speeches. 

Absentee ballots will be available from the Class Advisors for any student who has a pre-determined 

appointment, etc.; at the time the votes are cast. The ballots will be collected and counted by the Class Advisors 

and verified by Administration. 

The Administration reserves the right to place any class officer on probation if his/her behavior or academic 

status is contrary to the policies and procedures outlined in this Handbook. Such probation may include 

removal from office for the length of the probationary period. Any vacant office may be filled through a class 

election.

CLASS RANK 

Class rank is a cumulative computation of a student’s academic standing in his/her class. It is a weighted 

ranking system where both the levels and course grades are used to determine Grade Point Average (GPA) and 

class standing. Junior class rank is based on six semesters; Senior final class rank is based on eight. 

WEIGHTED GRADE VALUES 

AP Honors College prep Enrichment 

A+ 100-97 5.5 5.0 4.5 

A 96-93 5.0 4.5 4.0 Not Weighted 

A- 92-90 4.5 4.0 3.5 

B+ 89-87 4.3 3.8 3.3 

B 86-83 4.0 3.5 3.0 

B- 82-80 3.7 3.2 2.7 

C+ 79-77 3.4 2.9 2.4 

C 76-73 3.0 2.5 2.0 

C- 72-70 2.7 2.2 1.7 

D+ 69-67 2.4 1.9 1.4 

D 66-63 2.0 1.5 1.0 

D- 62-60 1.7 1.2 0.7 

F 59-0 0.0 0.0 0.0

CLASS STANDING/CREDITS 

A student transitions to the next grade level if he/she has earned cumulative credits and has the potential to earn 

total credits required for graduation in his/her identified class. Students are placed on grade level probation, and 

identified as repeating a grade when they are unable to attain the required number of cumulative credits for 

graduation in the current class. All students have the potential to fulfill these requirements.

COMPUTER POLICY 

The Northbridge Public School's Computer Resources Acceptable Use Policy and Internet Safety Policy are 

summarized below. The full text is available at www.nps.org. Each student, along with his/her parent/guardian 

must sign and return a copy of the Acceptable Computer Use Agreement and The Internet Safety Contract 

before being assigned a network account and/or being allowed to access the Internet. 

The use of computers and the Internet in the Northbridge Public Schools is a privilege, not a right, and failure to 

follow these guidelines will result in loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or legal prosecution. Everyone 

must report any violations of the computer policies. Computer resources must be used for legal, ethical, 

appropriate, educational purposes. 

All computer resources at the schools are the property of the Northbridge Public Schools. No unauthorized 

technology may be used. Only software that is purchased by the District may be installed on any school 

computer or network. The District reserves the right to examine and remove the content of files to insure 

compliance with these guidelines, and the right to delete a student’s files after the end of a school year or when a 

student leaves the District. Surge protectors shall be used with all electrical equipment; anti-virus software 

shall be used whenever a file is copied between disks; the use of floppy disks shall be minimized. Equipment 

will be powered off nightly and covered when left unused for more than 24 hours. Data files saved to the 

network shall be backed up regularly and automatically. Every one is responsible for making backup copies of 

his or her data files that are not stored on the network. Faculty and staff may limit the use of external media 

(CDs, pen drives, etc.) and may scan any student media at any time for viruses. 

No one shall: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share any account and/or password or attempt to use anyone else’s account and/or password. 

Disclose personal information on the Internet such as last name, age, sex, school, address, or phone number. 

Attempt to access, tamper with, or damage anyone else’s account or files. 

Install or download software or any other files, including screensavers or programs like “Weatherbug”, 

without the prior permission of the Technology Director. 

Create or send abusive, threatening, inappropriate, repetitive, or clearly unwanted messages. 

Create, copy, download or access files or websites containing any profanity, obscenity, or other 

inappropriate or harmful materials. 

Physically open up any computer, printer, or other technology that appears broken or jammed. 

Access or change any network operating software or system configuration files, including the desktop, icons, 

and colors. 

Delete any software, without the prior consent of the technology staff, 

Knowingly introduce a virus, spy-ware, ad-ware or similar threat. 

Disconnect or move any technology, without the prior consent of the technology staff, 

Use network resources, including scanners, and telephone lines, without appropriate permissions. 

Print without appropriate permissions. 

Engage in any illegal, commercial, or active political activities. 

Middle School and High School students may be assigned accounts to access the Internet directly. Students in 

grades 3-5 may only be given accounts to access pre-approved Internet websites. Access to inappropriate 

websites will be restricted to the extent possible by using filtering software. Anyone found repeatedly or 

intentionally visiting objectionable, problematic, or inappropriate sites will have his or her Internet privileges 

revoked. 

Computer Policy Continues next page...

Internet Use 

The Internet is a vast computer network full of wonderful educational experiences. However, there are some 

parts of the Internet that are not appropriate for education and, therefore, the Northbridge Public Schools will 

teach students to use the Internet safely by following the guidelines listed below. Teachers and staff who use the 

Internet will follow the same guidelines to model appropriate use while protecting themselves and school 

property. A summary of the guidelines will be included in student handbooks with a reference to the full copy, 

which shall be posted on the District website. 

At the preschool and primary grade levels, students may only use the Internet alongside an adult. Students in 

grades 3-5 may only be given accounts to access pre-approved Internet websites, and older students in Middle 

School and High School may be assigned accounts to access the Internet directly. Anyone accessing the Internet 

through the District’s computers and networks must first return a signed Internet Safety Contract. This shall be 

done when a student enrolls, or reaches grade 3, or when an employee is hired, and will remain in effect until 

that person leaves the District. 

Internet access will be provided with filtering software designed to identify and prohibit access to sites that 

educators believe contain inappropriate material for students. It is important to remember, however, that no 

system is perfect and that the possibility always exists for some inappropriate materials to get through. 

Ultimately, everyone must take responsibility for their own actions and take the necessary steps to protect 

themselves. Therefore, anyone found repeatedly or intentionally visiting objectionable, problematic, or 

inappropriate sites will have his or her Internet privileges revoked. 

Internet Safety Guidelines 

Anyone accessing the Internet in the Northbridge Public Schools shall not use the Internet to: 

• access material that is obscene; harmful to minors, hardware, software or networks; or otherwise 

inappropriate for educational uses. 

• engage in “hacking” or attempts to otherwise compromise system security. 

• engage in any illegal, commercial, or active political activities. 

• disclose or post personal information, such as last name, age, sex, school, address, or phone number. 

• download files, which can jeopardizes the health of the network by introducing a computer virus and 

using large amounts of disk space, without the prior consent of the technology staff. This includes 

screensavers, games, and other programs such as “Weatherbug”. 

Report any misuse or abuse 

Anyone with knowledge of abuse, inappropriate use, or any failure to follow any of these guidelines shall report 

this to a teacher or administrator as soon as possible. Any violation of NPS Policy and rules may result in loss of 

school-provided access to the Internet. Additional disciplinary action may be determined in keeping with 

existing procedures and practices regarding inappropriate language or behavior. When and where applicable, 

law enforcement agencies may be contacted. 

The Northbridge Public School District is committed to providing secure and error-free computing and Internet 

access and cannot be held responsible for any loss or damages resulting from technical or other difficulties. The 

Northbridge Public School District reserves the right to change these guidelines. 


Publishing Online Content Guidelines 

These guidelines apply to any content posted or published online for curriculum and school related use by an 

employee of the Northbridge Public Schools. These guidelines provide expectations that promote student 

privacy, security, safety, and avoid legal issues for the school district and staff. 

Published content online relates to any text, images, audio, and video content that is made public on resources, 

tools, and online mediums accessible to the public not employed by Northbridge School District and the 

district's students. Some examples include placing content on classroom web sites, blogs, and image and/or 

video hosting sites like TeacherTube. 

• No one’s personal information (phone number, email address, street address, IDs, names of other family 

members, etc.) may be published and publicly accessible online. 

• No PK-4 student’s last name may be published. 

• No published content may contain obscene, abusive, profane, harassing, or otherwise inappropriate 

material. 

• A permission form must be signed by a student’s parent/guardian each school year before his/her photo 

and/or video may be published online. It is the responsibility of the employee publishing the materials to 

check this information. A list of students who cannot have his/her photo/video published online can be 

obtained from school building offices. 

• Building based principals must approve of newly-developed websites and blogs. 

• Understand the Copyright Laws and the Fair Use Clause and follow them. Many times, permission must 

be obtained before publishing images or information online. More information can be found at 

http://www.copyright.gov/. 

COMPUTER RESOURCES - ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY 

Introduction 

The Northbridge Public School District provides computer resources and Internet access to support educational 

excellence by promoting resource sharing, facilitating communication, enhancing learning, improving 

administrative efficiencies, and preparing students to live and work in the 21 st century. Anyone who uses the 

District's computer resources must follow the guidelines described in this policy. The use of computers and the 

Internet in the Northbridge Public School District is a privilege, not a right, and failure to follow these 

guidelines will result in loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or legal prosecution. 

Definitions 

As used in this policy, the term computer resources includes, but is not limited to: computers; printers, 

scanners, digital cameras, handheld devices, networking equipment, and telecommunication lines; software, 

files; multimedia, video, cable, TV, telephone, and fax equipment; Language Lab, Tech Engineering, or other 

specialized facilities; Internet, email, or other online accounts; and computer supplies such as blank disks. 


Computer Use 

Students in Grades 2 and below shall be taught how to use a computer safely before being allowed to use any 

computer. Adults and students in Grade 3 and above must sign and return the Acceptable Computer Use 

Agreement. (An exception may be made for occasional guests that are granted temporary access for training 

classes, vendor demonstrations and the like.) For minors, this form must also be signed by a parent or guardian 

indicating their understanding of this policy, and their acceptance of liability for damages resulting from the 

intentional disregard of these guidelines by their child. This agreement will be signed when students are 

enrolled, or reach 3 rd grade, or when employees are hired, and will stay in effect as long as the student is 

enrolled, or staff member is employed, in the Northbridge Public School District. A summary of these 

guidelines will be reviewed in every class using computers and placed in student handbooks with a reference to 

the full policy on the District’s website. 

Acceptable Computer Use Guidelines 

Adherence to the following guidelines will insure a positive and productive learning environment for all. 

Respect the school's property 

All computer resources at the schools are the property of the Northbridge Public School District. No 

unauthorized technology may be used at school. No one may intentionally damage, tamper with, or use for any 

illegal or unethical activity any school or District property. In addition, computer resources must be used for 

educational purposes only and may not be used to sell anything, or to create anything that is sold, unless it is 

done so for the purposes of fundraising with the prior knowledge and consent of the building administrator. 

Respect and adhere to copyright laws 

All software has specific licensing agreements, which must be strictly upheld. Unauthorized copying is not 

permitted. To insure compliance with copyright laws, only software that is purchased by the District may be 

installed on any school computer or network. Software with little or no educational value shall not be installed 

on school computers. Software obtained by the District or one of its schools may not be copied or installed onto 

any computer, school-owned or not, without prior permission of the Technology Director. 

Respect others' individual property rights and privacy 

Existing rules against plagiarism apply to information gathered through the use of CD-ROM encyclopedias and 

other software, as well as through the use of the Internet. Everyone must respect each others' privacy and may 

not tamper with anyone else’s data files, network account, etc. The District does, however, reserve the right to 

examine and remove the content of files to insure compliance with these guidelines, when there is reasonable 

cause or suspicion. The District reserves the right to delete files in individuals’ accounts after the end of a 

school year or when a student or employee leaves the District. 

Respect others' right to freedom from harassment and intimidation 

No one may create or send abusive, threatening, repetitive, or clearly unwanted messages or use inappropriate 

language. No one may create or copy files containing any profanity, obscenity, or other inappropriate materials. 

No one may intentionally or otherwise interfere with others' work. 

Use and share computer resources courteously and efficiently 

Everyone must understand and accept that there are restrictions on computer resources including storage space 

and time limits. Disk space must be conserved by deleting messages once they have been read and removing 

unused files. When asked by a faculty or staff member, a student must immediately "log off" from the system. 


Help protect computer resources 

Everyone must safeguard the District's computer resources by taking reasonable precautions. Surge protectors 

shall be used with all electrical equipment; anti-virus software shall be used whenever a file is copied between 

disks; the use of floppy disks shall be minimized. Equipment will be powered off and covered when left unused 

for more than 24 hours. Data files saved to the network shall be backed up regularly and automatically. Every 

one is responsible for making backup copies of his or her data files that are not stored on the network. 

Each user may be assigned a unique username and secret password. No account, username or password may be 

shared with anyone else. Each user is responsible for all the activity conducted under that account or username. 

No one may attempt to access anyone else’s account or files. Passwords must be safeguarded at all times and 

changed in accordance with the current procedures at each school. 

Faculty and staff may prohibit the use of non-school-issued disks in school computers and may scan any student 

disk at any time for viruses. Each school will establish a safe and ethical file handling procedure for all. 

No one shall: 

• open up any computer resource that appears broken or jammed, 

• access any network operating software or system configuration files, 

• install or delete software, without the prior consent of the technology staff, 

• download executable files which can corrupt computers and networks, 

• knowingly introduce a virus, spy-ware, ad-ware or similar threat, 

• disconnect or move any technology, without the prior consent of the technology staff, 

• use a modem or telephone line, without appropriate permissions, 

• print without appropriate permissions, or 

• change system settings including the desktop, icons, and colors. 

Student work/Photographs in Grades 9 – 12 to be Displayed on School/District Web Pages 

In accordance with the Northbridge Public Schools 

1. Student work may be displayed on the school site web pages or District web page with the student’s full 

name when prior written permission is received from the parent/guardian annually. 

2. Photographs of students may be displayed on the school site web pages or District web page with the 

student’s full name when prior written permission is received from the parent/guardian annually. 

NOTE: Failure to return the form with the opening of school forms packet constitutes permission.

COURSE EXPECTATION SHEETS/Syllabus 

All students will receive a Course Expectation Sheet for each class. These sheets will outline: 

• A general course description – outlines what will be expected of the students in that course including any 

special assignments such as term papers, frequency with which homework can be expected, etc., 

• A listing of the activities contributing to the course grade, i.e., tests, quizzes, oral participation 

• A listing of class behavioral expectations beyond those stated in this Handbook 

• A listing of any materials required for the course. 

Students are required to sign indicating receipt of the Course Expectation Sheet. A teacher reserves the right to 

make changes and modifications, as they deem appropriate to the learning environment and with timely notice 

to the students in the respective class. 

Course Selection Process 

The course selection process is a cooperative venture among the student, the parent/guardian, the teacher, and 

the counselor. A Program of Studies Guide is available for review by both students and parent/guardian. 

Teachers are asked to make recommendations for the next year in all major academic areas based on current 

year grades and effort. Students meet with their Guidance Counselors to discuss scheduling options and a 

course selection sheet is completed. Course selection begins in February beginning with the incoming class. 

Any course changes must be approved by the administration.

DANCE/PROM GUIDELINES 

We encourage students to participate in our extracurricular and co-curricular activities. Students must be 

present in school a minimum of one-half of the school day. Students are reminded that all financial 

obligations must be met before admittance to any Northbridge High School class sponsored function. 

Any violation of the following guidelines may result in further disciplinary action. 

To help insure a successful event, the following guiding principles are in place: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Only Northbridge High School students in grades 9 thru 12, and in good standing, shall be admitted to 

school dances. 

Any student requesting permission for a guest to attend a dance must complete a Guest Request Form. All 

guests must be of high school age and currently enrolled in high school, or receive the prior approval of 

Administration. This form is available in the Main Office and must be completed and returned two days 

before the dance. 

No guests over the age of twenty will be admitted. 

No guests who have dropped out of school will be allowed to attend NHS dances. 

All guests MUST provide an emergency contact with a phone number. Students who bring guests will be 

held responsible for the actions of their guests and will be subject to disciplinary consequences based upon 

the actions of their guests. Guests should be informed of all school policies prior to attending in order to 

avoid any incidents. Not knowing is not an excuse. 

Alcoholic beverages or drugs are not being permitted on school grounds. Any student suspected of being 

under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be detained. (See Disciplinary Policy) A parent/guardian may 

be required to come to the school at that time to take the student home. If the parent/guardian are not 

available, the police will be called. 

Any chaperone has the right to remove any person who is acting in an inappropriate manner. 

Anyone caught aiding a person to gain admittance into a dance without paying will be removed. 

All trash will be disposed of properly. 

Any person leaving the dance will not be readmitted. Loitering on school property will not be allowed. 

Appropriate attire is required. 

No backpacks, briefcases, packages etc., are allowed into the dance area. All parcels may be subject to 

inspection

DISCIPLINARY POLICY 

Students are expected to act in a manner consistent with our expectations as stated in our Mission Statement. 

When students choose to act in a manner that is in conflict with our core beliefs and values, appropriate 

measures will be taken to immediately correct the situation. Parent/guardian will be notified by telephone as 

soon as possible after a suspension is assigned. Written notification will follow. All students are afforded due 

process. The process and procedures are described in this Student Handbook (See Due Process). 

The primary responsibility of teachers is to teach and the primary responsibility of students is to come to school 

prepared to learn. When students act in a manner that is disruptive to the learning environment of others, 

disciplinary action will be taken. Our discipline policy is designed to address inappropriate behaviors and to 

encourage students to make better choices. The teacher may assign a detention at any time for class tardiness. 

Frequent tardiness will result in a referral to Administration for further disciplinary action. Any student tardy to 

first block will lose their full break privilege for that day. 

We are committed to acting promptly, to treating each student fairly and respectfully, and to applying discipline 

consistently. Students are reminded to think carefully about their other commitments before acting in a manner 

in conflict with NPS Policy. Consequences for any inappropriate behavior may result in the following actions: 

Conference (teacher, administrator, parent/guardian) 

Mediation 

Detention, suspension, or community service. 

Loss of privileges, probation 

Loss of credit hours/removal from a course 

Expulsion, Police notification 

Under most circumstances, disciplinary problems can be solved through informal procedures. There are times, 

however, when a teacher may take disciplinary action and/or refer such infractions to an Administrator. 

Tardiness to class 

Failure to adhere to classroom procedures 

Failure to sign in/out of the classroom 

Disrespect (serious offenses may result in suspension) 

Disruptive behavior (this applies to in and out of classroom behavior) 

Excessive talking 

A paper copy of a written referral slip is a courtesy reminder to the students. Students who are told that they 

have a detention are still responsible for serving said detention. Not being handed a paper slip is NOT an 

excuse for missing an assigned detention. 

Failure to serve a teacher detention will result in an immediate referral to Administration for further disciplinary 

action. Administrative detentions are served from 2:00 to 3:00p.m. All detentions will be given 24-hour notice. 

Students may also opt to serve their detention on the day of issuance. 

Disciplinary Policy Continues next page...

In-School Suspension: 

In-school suspensions may be assigned for all offenses which do not threaten the health, safety, and security of 

students and staff members and which do not involve real or potential damage to school or personal property. 

In-School Suspensions are held from 8:30-3PM. Students who show good behavior, complete all their 

regular classroom assignments as well as complete the In-School Suspension program essays and 

assignments my be released at regular dismissal time at the In-School Suspension and Administrations 

discretion. Failure to serve or any disruption during the suspension will result in an out-of-school suspension. 

Any student receiving an out of school suspension must complete his/her in-school suspension upon his/her 

return to school. 

Out-of-school suspension: 

Out-of-school suspensions may be assigned for offenses that threaten the health, safety, and security of students 

and staff members or the orderly operation of the school including real or potential damage to school or personal 

property. Typical offenses for which suspensions may be assigned include drug policy violation, theft, 

gambling, vandalism, sexual harassment, hazing, assault (verbal or physical), and fighting and dangerous 

behavior. 

All schoolwork assigned (prior to the suspension or provided to the student during the suspension period) is due 

immediately upon return to school. Tests, quizzes, or additional assignments given during the suspension period 

are expected to be made up promptly in accordance with our make-up policy. In certain instances, the 

infraction violates both school and local or State statute. In such cases, an incident report will be filed with the 

Police. 

Students assigned an out-of-school suspension are prohibited from all campus and school related 

activities for the duration of the suspension period. 

Note: Student athletes shall be subject to additional penalties and procedures as specified by the MIAA. The 

Athletic Director, prior to each season, will make these penalties and procedures available to all student athletes. 

*The Administration reserves the right to assign service hours in lieu of suspension with prior parental consent. 

All service hours must be completed beyond the regular school day. 

Chronic School Offenders: When a student has been involved in 8 incidents of extended office detention 

and/or suspension, or any combination thereof, the student will be placed on school probation which could last 

the remainder of the school year, and the possible removal from athletic teams. This can affect social activities 

like the prom. 

Repeated suspensions: Repeated suspensions for any student will be viewed by the Administration as an 

indication of problems that are likely to have an adverse long-term effect on the student’s classroom 

performance. In such cases, a referral to the Early Intervention Team (EIT) and/or a parent/guardian conference 

may be required. 


Typical violations 

For the following violations, disciplinary actions may include teacher or Administrative detention, In- 

School or Out-of-School Suspensions. 

Cheating, plagiarism 

Cutting class 

Students are required to attend classes daily. In the event a student 

chooses to cut a class, students are given a zero for any class work 

missed including tests, quizzes, homework, in-class assignments, etc., 

No make-up is allowed for work missed due to a class cut. Class cuts may 

result in further disciplinary action. 

Disruptive behavior 

Failure to attend an assigned detention 

Failure to follow NPS Policy 

Forgery 

Insubordination 

Leaving School or being in a Non-designated area 

Class Tardiness 

Vulgar language (any time/any where) 

Typical violations 

For the following violations, disciplinary actions may include an Out-of-school Suspension. 

1 st Offense (*up to) nd Offense 

2 

Assault on another student 5 10 

Bullying 5 10 

Dangerous Behavior 3 5 

Fighting 5 10 

Hazing 5 10 

Sexual harassment, harassment 5 10 

Theft 5 10 

Threats 5 10 

Vandalism 5 10 

Harassment 5 10 

Discipline and Students With Disabilities 

All students are expected to meet the requirements for behavior as set forth in this handbook. In addition to 

those due process protections afforded to all students, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and 

related regulations require that additional provisions be made for students who have been found eligible for 

special education services or who the school district knows or has reason to know might be eligible for such 

services. Students who have been found to have a disability that substantially limits a major life activity, as 

defined under §504 of the Rehabilitation Act, are, generally, also entitled to increased procedural protections 

prior to imposing discipline that will result in the student’s removal for more than ten (10) consecutive school 

days or where there is a pattern of short term removals exceeding ten (10) school days in a given year. The 

following additional requirements apply to the discipline of students with disabilities: 


The IEP for every student eligible for special education or related services shall indicate whether the student 

can be expected to meet the regular discipline code of the school or whether the code should be modified to 

address the student’s individual needs. 

 

 

 

 

Students with disabilities may be excluded from their programs for up to ten (10) school days to the extent 

that such sanctions would be applied to all students. Before a student with a disability can be excluded from 

his/her program for more than ten (10) consecutive school days in a given school year or subjected to a 

pattern of removal constituting a “change of placement”, building administrators, the parent(s)/guardian(s) 

and relevant members of the student’s IEP or 504 Team will meet to determine the relationship between the 

student’s disability and behavior (Manifestation Determination). During days of disciplinary exclusions 

exceeding ten (10) school days in a single school year, special education students have the right to the 

receive services necessary to provide him/her with a free appropriate public education. 

If building administrators, the parent(s)/guardian(s) and relevant members of the student’s IEP or 504 Team 

determine that the student’s conduct was not a manifestation of the student’s disability, the school may 

discipline the student in accordance with the procedures and penalties applicable to all students but will 

continue to provide a free appropriate public education to those students with IEPs. The student’s IEP Team 

will identify the services necessary to provide a free appropriate public education during the period of 

exclusion, review any existing behavior intervention plan or, where appropriate, conduct a functional 

behavioral assessment. 

If building administrators, the parent(s)/guardian(s) and relevant members of the student’s IEP or 504 Team 

determine that the conduct giving rise to disciplinary action was a manifestation of the student’s disability, 

the student will not be subjected to further disciplinary removal or exclusion from the student’s current 

educational program based on that conduct (except for conduct involving weapons, drugs, or resulting in 

serious bodily injury to others) until the IEP or 504 Team develops, and the parent(s)/guardian(s) consent to, 

a new placement or unless the District obtains an order from a court or from the Bureau of Special 

Education Appeals (BSEA) authorizing a change in the student’s placement. The student’s Team shall also 

review, and modify as appropriate, any existing behavior intervention plan or arrange for a functional 

behavioral assessment. 

If a special education student possesses or uses illegal drugs, sells or solicits a controlled substance, 

possesses a weapon, or causes serious bodily injury to another on school grounds or at a school function, the 

District may place the student in an interim alternative educational setting (IAES) for up to forty-five (45) 

school days. A court or BSEA Hearing Officer may also order the placement of a student who presents a 

substantial likelihood of injury to self or others in an appropriate interim setting for up to forty-five (45) 

school days.

DISPLAYING AFFECTION 

Public displays of affection cause other students to become uncomfortable and therefore are considered 

inappropriate and are not acceptable in school or at school related activities and functions. Violators will be 

warned once and will then face consequences for disrespectful behavior and insubordination.

DISTRICT-WIDE CURRICULUM ACCOMMODATION PLAN 

In accordance with M.G.L. c.71, §37H1/2 and 603 CMR 28.03(3), the Northbridge Public Schools has 

developed and adopted a district-wide curriculum accommodation plan to meet the needs of diverse learners in 

the general education environment. Responsibility for implementation of this curriculum accommodation plan 

in each school building is the responsibility of the building principal. For more information regarding the 

specific services that may be available, please contact the guidance department of building principal.

DIVERSITY 

Northbridge High School embraces, appreciates, and celebrates the diversity within the school community. We 

foster an environment of respect for the dignity of the individual and will not tolerate behavior that is contrary to 

our beliefs and core values. The school will take immediate and severe action against intolerance based on race, 

color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, and disability.

DRESS CODE 

Northbridge High School respects individual rights of expression; however each student is expected to dress 

responsibly to uphold the standards of the school environment. Appropriate dress has a positive impact on 

student learning, concentration, behavior, and the overall educational environment. We believe that NHS 

students should take pride in their personal appearance. With this in mind, in an effort to create a safe 

environment, appropriate dress should be worn for both the school day and all events that are sponsored by the 

school: 

Students are expected to exercise good judgment in their style of dress as well as demonstrate respect for those 

around them. 

Dress that distracts or disrupts the educational process and mission of the school is 

prohibited. 

The basic guidelines of decency, modesty, good taste, cleanliness and practicality should prevail. At all times, 

student should treat school as if it were a place of business and dress accordingly. 

Inappropriate dress includes, but is not limited to: 

1. Designs on clothing which display poor taste, advocate for drugs, alcohol, sex or tobacco, or that is 

uncomfortably revealing and causes embarrassment to others. No undergarments should show at any time 

including boxer shorts or bras. 

2. Designs on clothing, which displays inappropriate symbols, language, ethnic slurs, or any attire which could 

be construed as offensive to anyone in the building. 

3. Dress intended for outside wear or other material that covers the face and/or interferes with the identification 

of a student such as HATS, visors, hoods, bandanas, sunglasses, etc. are prohibited. Wearing hats in a public 

building is generally considered inappropriate except when wearing for religious reasons or relating to a 

disability. 

Such items should be removed upon entering the building and MUST be stored in the student’s locker for the 

day. 

Any teacher may confiscate hats or sunglasses that are not stored in the student’s locker during school hours. 

Student’s refusing to turn over the items will be cited for insubordination and face disciplinary consequences. 

4. Chains, wallet chains and/or spiked collars/bracelets or any non-school related item that could be used as a 

weapon are prohibited. 

5. Jackets, coats, or other outerwear may not be worn during the school day and should be stored in lockers. 

6. Backpacks, or shoulder packs, of any type must be stored in lockers during the school day. 

7. Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times. 

8. No bare midriffs or shoulders, visible under garments, or equivalent types.(e.g. spaghetti straps, halter tops, 

tube tops, muscle shirts) 

Dress code policy continues next page...

9. Students should refrain from wearing skirts, ‘skorts’, shorts, or dresses that are more than 1” above the knee. 

If a violation occurs, students will be required to correct the situation. Corrective action may include a change of 

clothes, turning an item inside out, dismissal from school after parent/guardian notification, or any other 

appropriate and reasonable means of redress. Failure to comply with this request will result in disciplinary 

action and possible suspension.

DRIVING PRIVILEGES & PARKING LOT ACCESS 

The privilege of owning a driver’s license is an important milestone for any young adult. With this privilege 

comes responsibility. That responsibility requires the student to be diligent and conscientious; and to drive first 

and foremost with the safety of themselves and others in mind. Parking on school grounds is a privilege not a 

right. 

Northbridge High School reserves the right to revoke the parking privileges of any student who acts in a 

manner that is in conflict with this philosophy or who does not follow the regulations. 

The parking lot is off limits to students during the school day. Any student found in the parking lot during the 

school day without Administrative approval will be subject to disciplinary action. Students are not to loiter in 

the parking lot before or after school. 

Students must obtain a Parking Permit Application from the Main Office. 

The fee for a decal is $5. Once approved, a parking decal will be issued. Parking decals will be issued 

the first week of school. Decals must be displayed on any parked vehicle. Decals must be placed on the 

driver’s side, front window, in lower left corner. Students must park in designated areas only. 

Observe the 10-mph speed limit. Any driving that jeopardizes the safety of all students/public may result 

in loss of driving privileges and/or disciplinary action. 

Frequent tardiness may result in a suspension of parking privileges. 

No student may transport another student who has left school without permission. 

Student vehicles may leave the school grounds prior to the departure of the school busses. However, 

once the busses begin to depart student vehicles must wait until all busses have left the main lot 

area. At no times should a student cut in front a bus. 

NO LITTERING OR LOITERING – Help keep our school clean. 

All cars must be locked at all times. Northbridge High School is not responsible for lost or stolen items. 

Any violation of the above rules may result in a loss of privilege to use the parking lot or other disciplinary 

action as deemed appropriate. Any vehicle in violation of our policies may be towed at the owners expense. 

We recognize that many students will earn the privilege to drive and all students should become familiar with 

the laws governing the requirements for newly licensed drivers. The School does not take responsibility for the 

enforcement and adherence to the State laws; however, we provide a synopsis as a means of educating both 

parents and students that such laws exist. It is the responsibility of the individual to familiarize him/her in detail 

with such regulations. A synopsis of the Junior Operator’s Law may be found in the Appendix. For additional 

information, visit the RMV’s site at www.mass.gov/rmv/jol.

DUAL ENROLLMENT/COLLEGE COURSES 

Northbridge High School participates in a variety of off campus extended learning opportunities including dual 

enrollment programs with a number of post-secondary schools. Students in grades 11 & 12 are eligible to 

participate in related programs for both college and high school credit. Introductory level college courses will be 

considered at Honors level for the purposes of GPA and class rank. Advanced level college courses will be 

considered as Advanced Placement for the purposes of GPA and class rank. Pre-approval by the Principal is 

required. Credits received in these courses will count toward the total number of credits required for graduation. 

Further information is available from the Guidance Office.

DUE PROCESS AND APPEALS 

1. Short Term Disciplinary Sanctions: Except where circumstances require the student’s immediate 

removal from the school environment, prior to the imposition of any disciplinary sanction that might 

result in a student’s suspension from school for ten (10) consecutive school days or less, the student will 

be given oral notice of the offense with which he/she is charged and an opportunity to respond. In the 

event that the principal determines that the student will be suspended from school, the student’s 

parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified by telephone and in writing. 

2. Long Term Disciplinary Sanctions: Prior to the imposition of any disciplinary sanction that might result 

in the student’s suspension for more than ten (10) consecutive school days or expulsion, the 

parent(s)/guardian(s) will be given written notice of a hearing at which they may be represented by an 

attorney (at private expense) and may examine and present witnesses and documentary evidence. 

Following this hearing, the hearing officer (principal/school committee) will issue a written decision. 

The parent(s)/guardian(s) will have the right to appeal any decision imposing a long-term exclusion from 

school. Where the student is excluded in accordance with M.G.L. c.71 §37H, the student shall have ten 

(10) days from the effective date of the exclusion to file a written appeal with the superintendent of 

schools. For exclusions imposed pursuant to M.G.L. c.71 §37H1/2, the student shall have five (5) days 

from the effective date of the exclusion to file a written appeal with the superintendent. For exclusions 

imposed by the school committee in accordance with M.G.L. c.76 §17, the student shall have the right to 

file a written request for reconsideration by the committee within ten (10) days of the effective date of 

the exclusion. Pending the outcome of any such appeal, the disciplinary sanction imposed shall remain in 

effect. M.G.L. c.76 §17, M.G.L. c.71 §37H, M.G.L. c.71 §37H1/2. Within five (5) school days of any 

disciplinary appeal hearing, the reviewing hearing officer (superintendent/school committee) will render 

a written decision on the student’s appeal.

EARLY INTERVENTION TEAM (E.I.T.) 

The Early intervention team which consists of guidance, administration, health services, and special education 

personnel, will assist in identifying students who may require additional support, both academically and 

socially. Meeting weekly, the team’s proactive approach is designed to help develop strategies to meet the 

needs of individual students as well as the overall school population. Any faculty or staff member may refer 

students to the EIT by utilizing the referral form. Students referred to the team may be determined to require 

further assessment and evaluation for services provided through special education or other student supports. 

The EIT will assist in the identification of transitional and school wide issues which may result in workshops 

and presentations on such topics as stress reduction, anger management, self-esteem, etc.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES 

The Northbridge High School Policy on electronic communication devices is designed to ensure that the use of 

such devices does not interfere with the teaching and learning environment. The complex nature and variety of 

electronic communication devices makes it difficult to create a static policy. Therefore, this policy includes 

electronic communication devices such as cell phones, picture phones, iPhones, Blackberries, iPads, etc. It does 

not apply to devices whose sole function is playing digital audio or video files such as iPods, MP3 players, 

Walkmans, etc., unless they have wireless connectivity. 

The merging of single function devices into multi-function devices has created additional distractions for 

students during the school day, causing an increase in the number of disciplinary incidents which involve the 

use of these devices at school. As a result, there is a need for NHS to implement a more restrictive policy that 

increases student safety, and reduces the number of disruptions to the learning environment. 

POLICY 

1. Students are permitted to use electronic communication devices only during the following times and 

circumstances: 

• Before 7:20 a.m. outside or inside the school buildings; 

• After 1:55PM outside or inside the school buildings; 

• At after-school or sports activities, only with the permission of the coach, instructor or program director; 

• At evening or weekend activities inside the school building where appropriate. (e.g. Not during 

performances) 

• In the main foyer after receiving permission from the Main Office or a staff member. 

2. The use of electronic communication devices for any purpose – including telephone calls, text 

messaging and other functions are not permitted at any other time on school grounds without prior 

permission from the main office. 

3. Electronic communication devices must not be visible during the school day. 

4. Electronic communication devices must be turned completely off (not simply on silent or vibrate mode) 

during 

the school day and should be stored in students lockers. 

5. Students may not remove any part of a device that has been confiscated. 

6. Recording of any kind, taking pictures on school property and/or posting of these on the internet is forbidden 

without prior consent and is subject to additional discipline. 

7. The school will not be responsible for lost or stolen electronic devices and WILL NOT assist with setting up 

reparations for stolen items. 

8. The school administration reserves the right to seize and search a student’s cell phone or other electronic 

device if there is reasonable suspicion that the device has been used to commit a crime or break school rules. 

This includes the suspicion of illegal drug activity and/or the sending of bullying or harassing text messages. 

9. Confiscated devices will not be returned until the consequence is served. 

Electronic Devices continues next page...

ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES 

All staff including teachers, administrators, and support staff are directed to monitor student violations of the 

electronic communication devices policy. 

Consequences for students found to be in violation of the policy will be as follows: 

• First offense: Student’s electronic communication device will be confiscated, turned over to the 

building Administrator, and returned to the student at the end of the school day. 

• Second offense: Student’s electronic communication device will be confiscated, turned over to the 

building Administrator. The student will be issued an after school detention and the device will be 

returned only to the student’s parent or guardian after the consequence has been served. 

• Third offense: Student’s electronic communication device will be confiscated, and turned over to 

the building Administrator. The student will also be issued an after school detention and the device will 

be returned only to the student’s parent or guardian after the consequence has been served. 

ALSO, the student will be prohibited from bringing an electronic communication device to school for 

the remainder of the school year or may be required to leave their phones in the Main office upon 

entering the building each day. 

Students committing repeated violations of this policy may be subject to additional disciplinary action, 

consistent with the Code of Discipline. 

Students are REQUIRED to present any electronic device to a teacher, administrator or staff member upon 

request. Failure to do so will be considered insubordination and will result in further disciplinary action, which 

may include suspension. All electronic devices will be stored in the main office for parental pick-up. 

Remember – 

• Think about the consequences of sending or forwarding a text message. 

• Never take images of yourself that you wouldn’t want everyone to see. 

• If you forward an image or message, you are as responsible for this image as the original sender. 

• Report any inappropriate pictures you receive on your cell phone to an adult you trust. Do not delete the 

message – get the adult involved immediately. 

• Your parents are LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE for all the contents on your device until you turn 18 and 

may face CRIMINAL consequences for your actions and/or content on the device. 

The use of electronic devices such as MP3 players or IPODS, of any type during the school day is strictly 

prohibited anywhere except within the classroom with prior teacher permission. Headphones or ipods MUST 

NOT BE VISIBLE in common areas outside the classroom during school hours and are subject to confiscation.

ELIGIBILITY-Athletics and Extra-curricular (See Athletics, National Honor Society)* 

Northbridge High School is proud of its tradition of excellence in the areas of athletics and extra-curricular 

activities. All students are encouraged to participate in our program offerings and all activities are open to all 

students in good standing as defined by the following guidelines. 

Northbridge High School is a member of the MIAA (State Governing Board) and the Southern Worcester 

County League (SWCL). The MIAA’s rules and regulations, along with the guidelines established by 

Northbridge High School govern participation. * 

Eligibility (Academic/Disciplinary): 

Students may not fail more than one major course (one grade lower than a 60) in any given marking period in 

order to remain eligible to participate. Major courses are defined as courses that grant standard credit hours and 

fulfill the regular class-meeting schedule. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Participation is based upon the previous year’s fourth quarter and the final grade. A student is deemed 

ineligible if he/she receives more than one grade lower than a 60 in the 4 th quarter OR as a final grade in a 

full year or second semester course. Any student determined "ineligible” based on 4 th quarter grades may be 

reinstated pending review of the 1 st quarter’s progress report. Ineligibility status will continue if a student is 

issued a “failing” status report. In addition, a student must pass a minimum of 4 traditional major 

courses at each marking period to be eligible for participation. 

A failed course taken and passed in summer school restores eligibility for the final grade but does not affect 

4th quarter status. 

Continuation of eligibility for a fall sport and participation in a winter sport is based on the first quarter 

grades. A student may not fail more than one course in the 1 st quarter and pass a minimum of 4 traditional 

courses at each marking period to be eligible for participation. 

Continuation of eligibility for a winter sport and participation in a spring sport is based on the second 

quarter grades. Continuation of eligibility for a spring sport is based on the 3rd quarter grades. A student’s 

eligibility is determined the day report cards are issued. 

An Incomplete grade is considered a failing grade until such time as the work has been completed and an 

official grade has been issued. A student has five school days from the day report cards are issued to makeup 

any work required. 

The grade “Withdrew Failing” (WF) will be considered a failing grade if it is the final grade issued for the 

course at the end of the quarter. 

A student with a school disciplinary obligation must fulfill the disciplinary obligation before reporting to a 

practice and/or game or activity event. A student who receives a suspension (in or out of school) is ineligible 

for competition, and/or practice, or activity for at least the number of days of the suspension. No 

disciplinary action will be postponed or canceled for any reason. All students (athletes) are subject to the 

school’s discipline code. The Principal reserves the right to remove a student for disciplinary infractions; and, 

may upon sufficient evidence of improvement, reinstate the student. 

Athletic Eligibility: Chemical/Health/Alcohol/Drugs/Tobacco (MIAA) 

From the earliest fall practice date, to the conclusion of the academic year or final athletic event (whichever is 

latest), a student shall not, regardless of the quantity, use, consume possess, buy/sell, or give away any beverage 

containing alcohol; any tobacco product; marijuana; steroids; or any controlled substance. This policy includes 

products such as NA or near beer”. It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a legally defined 

drug specifically prescribed for the student’s own use by his/her doctor. 

Eligibility continues next page...

This MIAA statewide minimum standard is not intended to render “guilt by association”, e.g.. many student 

athletes might be present at a party where only a few violate this standard. This rule represents only a minimum 

standard upon which schools may develop more stringent requirements. If a student in violation of this rule is 

unable to participate in interscholastic sports due to injury or academics, the penalty will not take effect until 

that student is able to participate again. 

First Violation: When the Principal confirms, following an opportunity for the student to be heard, that a 

violation occurred, the student shall lose eligibility for the next consecutive interscholastic contest totaling 25% 

of all interscholastic contests in that sport. No exception is permitted for a student who becomes a participant in 

a treatment program. It is recommended that the student be allowed to remain at practice for the purpose of 

rehabilitation. All decimal part of an event will be truncated. All fractional part of an event will be dropped 

when calculating the 256% of the season. 

Second and Subsequent Violations: When the Principal confirms, following an opportunity for the 

student to be heard, that a violation occurred, the student shall lose eligibility for the next consecutive 

interscholastic contest totaling 60% of all interscholastic contests in that sport. For the student, these penalties 

will be determined by the season the violation occurs. If at the time of the second or subsequent violations, the 

student of his/her owns volition becomes a participant in an approved chemical dependency program or 

treatment program, the student may be certified for reinstatement in MIAA activities after a minimum of 40% of 

events provided the student was fully engaged in the program throughout that penalty period. The high school 

principal in collaboration with a chemical dependency program or treatment program must certify that student is 

attending or issue a certificate of completion. If a student does not complete program, penalty reverts back to 

60% of the season. 

Penalties shall be cumulative each academic year. If the penalty period is not completed during the season of 

violation, the penalty shall carry over to the student’s next season of actual participation in that sport, which 

may affect the eligibility status of the student during the next academic year. 

Fees & Participation 

All potential students must pick-up and return a completed Athletic Eligibility Form and/or complete the 

required Liability Waiver forms before participating in any athletic/activity. All students who plan to participate 

in athletics must have written proof of a current physical examination signed by a physician. It is strongly 

recommended that an annual examination be scheduled between June and August for each school year. Such an 

exam would cover a student for the entire school year. The school will provide a physical once a year. If a 

student does not participate in the physical provided by the school, it is their responsibility for the scheduling 

and expense of the physical. 

Students are assessed a user’s fee of 

$200 1 st athlete/family per season $200 per student; $300 per student maximum 

$100 2 nd athlete/family per season $100 per student; $500 per family maximum 

-0- 3 rd athlete/family per season -0- 

An additional user fee is assessed as follows: $150 per student for ice hockey and $75 per student for golf. 

Eligibility continues next page...

Club Fee – A fee will be collected for participation in after school clubs and activities. The fee is of $25 for 1 

club and $50 for 2 or more. No more than $50 per student per year. 

EQUIPMENT. Athletes are responsible for all equipment issued to them. Lost equipment will be billed to 

athletes. At the end of season, the athlete is responsible for turning in all equipment, etc., to their coach. 

INSURANCE. It is the responsibility of the athlete to report all injuries to the coach. School insurance 

covers expenses not covered by the athletes’ family insurance policy. 

MIAA/RULES. All athletes are bound by the MIAA rules, the specific rules of the coach, and the 

Northbridge High School Student Handbook. 

Loyalty to the High School Team - Bona Fide Team Members (MIAA Rule 51) 

A bona fide member of the school team is a student who is consistently present for, and actively participates in, 

all high school team sessions (e.g. practices, tryouts, competitions). Bona fide members of a school team are 

precluded from missing a high school practice or competition in order to participate in a non-school athletic 

activity/event in any sport recognized by the MIAA. First offense: Student athlete is suspended for 25% of the 

season (see Rule 62). Second offense: Student athlete is suspended for an additional 25% of the season, and is 

ineligible for tournament play immediately upon confirmation of the violation. See Rule 96 for additional 

tournament restriction and Rule 86 for waiver guidelines. 

ATTENDANCE. To participate in that day’s practice, competition or preceding any weekend event, students 

must be in school for a minimum of ½ day. One half day is equal to no dismissals before 10:45; no arrivals after 

10:45. 

TRANSPORTATION. Students must travel to and from an athletic event via the sports bus when a bus is 

provided. All athletes are expected to adhere to “school bus rules” (See Bus Rules). Students may travel home 

with their parent/guardian after notifying the coach (See MIAA Rule 51 above). Any athlete wishing to travel 

with someone else’s parent/guardian must present the coach with a signed note from their parent/guardian 

giving permission for said athlete to go home with another parent/guardian. Under no circumstances will 

athletes travel home with other students or on their own.

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS / FIRE DRILLS 

For the safety of everyone, the school practices fire drills frequently during the school year. At the beginning of 

the school year you will receive special directions. You will also find instructions posted in each of your rooms. 

When the fire alarm sounds, follow these directions and those of your teachers, leaving the building quickly and 

orderly. Attendance will be taken. If a student is not present during the attendance procedures, and is not absent 

from school, disciplinary action will follow. 

 

 

Stay with your classroom teacher at all times. Organize in a single file line. 

Move quickly and quietly through the exit designated for your classroom. The goal is to evacuate the 

building as soon as possible. 

If you are at lunch proceed either down the back stairway and out the closest door or out of the main 

cafeteria doors, take a right, and out of the door at the bottom of the stairway (whichever exit is closest). 

Report to your 4 th block teacher for attendance once you are out of the building. 

If you are on break or during passing times, proceed to the nearest exit. Report to your 1 st block teacher for 

attendance once you are outside. 

Avoid walking alongside block walls, buildings, under power lines, etc. 

Students and teachers shall not utilize cellular phones during an evacuation unless it is in the capacity hazard 

mitigation. 

Stay in a single line in the evacuation area, report directly to your designated spot, unless the student is ill 

and requires medical treatment or a student is pre-identified with a special need. 

Note: If an exit is blocked, exit via the nearest outside access exit door and report immediately to your teacher. 

If a student refuses to obey the teacher the teacher should make every effort to control the situation. If the 

teacher cannot control the situation and the student(s) behavior is a risk to others the teacher should summons a 

law enforcement officer for assistance. 

LOCKDOWN/SHELTER IN PLACE 

This procedure is in place to minimize exposure to potential hazards by remaining in the building. 

PROCEDURE 

1. If a lockdown/shelter in place, remain in your classroom seated and follow the instructions of your teacher. 

2. If you are not in your classroom at the time of the announcement report immediately to the closest room in 

which an adult staff member is present, including the main office or guidance office whichever is closest. 

3. If you are in the cafeteria, media center or field house, remain in those areas. 

Stay calm; stay seated and away from the doors and windows. 

Do not evacuate the room until you are told to do so.

EXAMINATIONS (FINAL) 

Students are periodically assessed on an informal and formal basis. Final exams may be given in semester and 

all full year courses. Final and cumulative assessments are an important part of the student’s overall grade. 

They mark the end of a segment of study and serve as valuable assessments of the knowledge and skills 

acquired. The final form of assessment will be governed by the nature of the course and may include portfolios, 

project-based activities, objective tests, presentations, essays, etc. An exam schedule will be made available to 

students and parent/guardian. In the event a student will not be present during the exam period due to reasons 

excused by the Administration, and arrangements must be made for make-up prior to his/her absence.

EXTENDED PASSING TIME 

Extended passing time may be used for assemblies, class meetings, etc. In the event time is not used for school 

related issues, the students may use this time to take care of personal school related business or visit the 

cafeteria for an AM snack. The ability to visit the café during this time is a privilege and may be revoked. 

Students should react responsibly and respectfully. Students will not be issued passes to their lockers, lavatory, 

or any unrelated classroom activity for the period immediately following the break. 

TEACHERS HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO HOLD STUDENTS IN THEIR CLASSROOM DURING THIS 

BLOCK. ANY STUDENT ARRIVING LATE TO FIRST BLOCK WILL BE REQUIRED TO REMAIN 

WITH THAT TEACHER FOR THE FULL BREAK. 

Students will be dismissed for extended passing time by the classroom teacher following the morning 

announcements.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 

The following is a list of many extra or co-curricular activities that are proposed for the 2011-2012 School Year. 

Students are encouraged to discuss any new clubs or activities with teachers and Administration. We support 

activities that are geared towards engaging students in meaningful, productive, social, physical, and academic 

oriented service opportunities. (A Complete updated list is found on our website at www.nps.org) 

A cappella Choir 

The A Cappella choir is a select group of vocalists who perform without instrumental accompaniment. 

Auditions are held in October and January. 

Art Honor Society 

The purpose of the National Art Honor Society is to better the community through the use of art. Students can 

be nominated by a teacher after the completion of their first art class. Students are required to have and maintain 

a minimum GPA of a B+ in their art classes. 

Amnesty International 

Amnesty International is an organization loosely based around the organization that shares its name. Students 

learn about and fight human rights abuses worldwide through various letter writing campaigns. 

Brain Bee 

BrainBee is an academic competition in which students learn about the field of neuroscience: brain anatomy, 

function of the nervous system and disorders of the nervous system. Members of the NHS BrainBee team 

compete in the regional BrainBee hosted by UMass Medical School.; winners can advance to the international 

BrainBee. 

DECA 

An association of management and marketing students that participated in a variety of community and school 

related projects and competitions. Students enrolled in the marketing program are eligible to participate in this 

exciting program and are responsible for operation of the RAM Stand, student store. 

Debate Team 

(Pending for 2011-2012) Students interested in developing presentation skills, engaging in active dialog and 

persuasive strategies are encouraged to investigate this exciting competitive club. 

Drama Club/Theatre Techs 

The Drama Club puts a show on twice a year, in the winter and the spring. The play or musical is decided the 

summer before school and cast in the fall. The student members work from the fall through the production 

dates. Students are in charge of everything with the help of an adult director. All students are encouraged to 

volunteer in some way for the club. 

Extra Curricular Activities list continues next page...

Gay/Straight Alliance 

The Gay Straight Alliance is a student organization intended to provide a safe and supportive environment for 

lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning youth and their straight allies (LGBTQA).The goal of the club is 

to make the school community safe and welcoming to all students regardless of sexual orientation or gender 

identity. The GSA participates in national campaigns to raise awareness such as the Day of Silence, National 

Coming Out Day, No Name Calling Week and Bullying Awareness Week. 

Hip Hop Dance Club 

Coed dance and aerobic exercise. All are welcome to join. 

Hoop Band 

The “hoop” band is a pep band that performs Jazz and Rock charts at all the home basketball games. 

Jazz Ensemble 

The Jazz Ensemble is a group of select auditioned students who wish to learn about and perform jazz music. 

The instrumentation of this group is made up of Saxophones, Trombones, Trumpets, and traditional Rhythm 

Section instruments. 

Link Crew 

Lentor program for incoming freshmen. Students are nominated based on overall school performance by 

classroom teachers and administrators to serve as Link Crew Members. 

Literary Magazine 

Students interested in expressing themselves through the written word are encouraged and invited to participate 

in the publication of a literary magazine. All types of writings are welcome. 

Northbridge Student Broadcast News (NSBN) 

Northbridge Student Broadcast News (NSBN) produces media content for Northbridge High School and 

Channel 13. During NSBN meetings, students will develop not only their video skills, but photography, and 

musical skills, as well. This club is for the novice who has not yet taken Broadcast Production, as well as for 

the more advanced user who has taken both BP I and BP II. 

Pep Band 

The “Ram Pep Band” performs at all the home football games, playoff games, and pep rallies. Students who 

take part in this ensemble are enrolled in the Concert Band that is offered during the school day. Students who 

wish to participate in this ensemble who are not in Concert Band should see Mr. Verdone. 

RAMS Marching Band 

(Tentative for 2011-2012) The Marching Rams have been the pride of Northbridge in the past. The group will 

perform at all the home football games, playoff games, and pep rallies as well as attending the UMASS Band 

Day. Students will learn the fundamentals of marching and playing technique. Students must be physically fit 

in order to participate in this demanding activity. 

Rams Page 

Northbridge High School’s official school newspaper. 

Extra Curricular Activities list continues next page...

Science Club (N.E.A.G.) 

The Science Club engages in a variety of related activities that are designed to engage students in further 

exploration in the sciences field of studies. Such activities include working with environmental agencies at the 

local and state levels, conferences, cleanups, and field trips. We also assemble the Blackstone watershed 

conference. Membership is open to all students. 

Student Council 

The Student Council is a democratic representative body, established for the purpose of promoting participation 

and cooperation among students and faculty for the general welfare of the school. It consists of students from 

each class who are elected each spring, as well as the vice-president from each of the grades and the student 

advisory committee and regional advisory council members. Additional members may be elected, subject to the 

revision of the Student Council by-laws. The Student Council meets twice each month to discuss student 

suggestions and other school matters. 

Ski Club 

Students travel to Mt. Wachusett for a 6 week after school program. 

Weight Club 

This club offers students who join the opportunity to keep physically fit during the school months. This is done 

by supervised weight lifting and toning their bodies in the Health & Fitness Center. 

World Language Club 

This organization is made up of three foreign language clubs, Spanish, French, and Latin. Any student enrolled 

in these subjects may participate. Dues are payable throughout the school year. There are elected officers who 

organize activities for the groups including trips, games, and small parties. 

Yearbook 

Students may get involved in organizing his/her class yearbook that will be a remembrance of times at 

Northbridge High School. A staff is made up to raise money, get advertisements and layout the yearbook itself.

FAN EXPECTATIONS 

We welcome student attendance at athletic and extra-curricular events. Students must maintain proper decorum 

and respect while in attendance at these activities since they are representing Northbridge High School. 

Northbridge has a proud history of winning the SWCL Good Sportsmanship awards. 

In general we have the following expectations of all fans: 

• Students should have fun by demonstrating positive enthusiasm without causing harm, danger, or 

embarrassment. 

• Students are to follow all school rules that are in effect during the regular school day. 

• Students should demonstrate respect toward fellow students, opponents, players, coaches, and officials. 

• Students should show respect and pride for the school. 

• Students must be appropriately attired, including wearing shirts. 

Students may not engage in the following behaviors: 

• Calling by name or taunting players on either the home or visiting team. NO BOOING! 

• Using vulgar language towards other fans, players, or the game officials. 

• Wearing costumes, masks, or obscuring face paint that prevents them from being recognized. 

• Participating in dangerous or boisterous behavior, such as, pushing, shoving, or fighting. 

• Throwing objects either in the stands or onto the playing surface. 

• Turning their backs while the other team is introduced, or holding up signs and newspapers. 

Students who engage in prohibited fan behavior may face detention or suspension consequences as determined 

by the administration or Athletic director.

FIELD TRIPS 

Students may have an opportunity to participate in field trips that provide enhanced curriculum-based learning 

experiences and provide a direct connection to the content of a particular course. No student is required to 

participate in a field trip if he/she desires to remain in school. Whenever a student elects not to participate in a 

field trip, the classroom teacher will provide alternative work based activities relating to the curriculum. 

Students participating in field trips must: 

1. Complete student field trip participant form and the district liability form. Any student failing to complete 

the required paperwork in a timely manner may not be allowed to participate. 

2. Pass in all class assignments on the day due. 

Assignments due on the day of the out-of-class event must be turned in on the day of return. 

Assignments made while attending the out-of-class event are due on the same day as the rest of the class. 

It is the student’s responsibility to obtain missed assignments from the teacher or another student. 

The make-up policy does not apply to field trips. 

Tests announced prior to the field trip will be taken on the day of their return or at a time scheduled with 

the classroom teacher. 

3. Students who are not in good standing may not be allowed to participate. Any financial obligations for 

participation in the field trip must be met prior to the event. 

4. Any student who is not in good academic standing may forfeit the privilege of participating in a field trip, 

regardless of the subject area. 

Policy Relating To Field Trips Involving Late Night Or Overnight Travel 

The Northbridge Public School District encourages field trips, which enhance the students’ educational 

experience. In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, Section 37N, if field trips involve late 

night or overnight travel, the following must be met: 

A. Trip Approval Process: 

1. Advance approval by the School Committee will be required for any student trip involving late night or 

overnight travel (in concurrence with IJOA, Policy Relating Field Trips). 

2. The approval process will be completed prior to engaging students in fundraising activities or other 

preparations for the trip. 

3. Overnight trips must offer significant educational benefits to students that clearly justify the time and 

expense of the trip. Such trips must be appropriate for the grade level and must meet Time on Learning 

Requirements of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

4. Teachers and other school staff will be prohibited from soliciting privately run trips through the school 

system. The trip approval process applies only to school-sanctioned trips; trips will not be approved that are 

privately organized and run without school sanctioning. 

Field Trip Policy continues next page...

5. Policies and procedures for trip approval will take into account all logistical details involving security 

arrangements, emergency management and communications protocols, transportation, accommodations, 

itinerary, fundraising required of students, the educational value of the trip in relation to its costs, and 

recommendation of the principal. 

B. Transportation 

1. The use of vans or private automobiles for trips planned to include late night or overnight student travel 

should generally be avoided. Should the use of vans be necessary for overnight travel, prior written 

authorization from the Superintendent and subsequent approval by the School Committee must be obtained. 

Such trips should generally use commercial motor coaches. No student drivers will be allowed at any time. 

2. Trips planned to include late night or overnight student travel will involve pre-trip checks for companies, 

drivers, and vehicles. Companies must have liability insurance on drivers. 

3. School officials will ensure that the selected carrier is licensed for passenger transportation by the Federal 

Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The District should not contract with any 

carrier that has an FMCSA safety rating of “conditional” or “unsatisfactory”. 

4. The contract with the carrier must prohibit the use of a subcontractor unless sufficient notice is given to the 

District to allow for verification of the subcontractor’s qualifications. 

C. Trip Scheduling 

1. Overnight accommodations will be made in advance with student safety and security in mind. Hiring 

independent security is recommended when appropriate. 

2. Field trips during school time must meet the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary 

Education Time on Learning requirements. 

3. Trip itineraries must leave enough time for drivers to rest in conformity with federal hour-of-service 

requirements and common sense. Student vehicular (bus and auto) travel between the hours of midnight and 

6:00 AM will not be allowed unless relief drivers are provided. 

4. If substantially all members of a class are participating in a field trip, the school will provide appropriate 

substitute activities for any students not participating. 

D. Fundraising 

1. The amount of time to be devoted to fundraising should be reasonable and commensurate with students’ 

obligations for homework, after-school activities, and jobs. 

2. Group fundraising activities are preferred. 

E. Student Supervision 

Students shall be accompanied by a sufficient number of chaperones, taking into account the trip scheduling and 

logistics. All chaperones, including parents and volunteers, must have a CORI/criminal record check. Faculty 

and staff of the school along with parents of students will serve as chaperones. 

A chaperone must always be present whenever students are on the bus. 

All participating students must submit a signed parent/guardian permission form. Such forms shall include 

eligibility requirements and appropriate authorization for emergency medical care and administration of 

medication. 

When away from school, all school rules will apply to the trip. Infringement of rules may result in a student’s 

immediate expulsion from the trip. In such cases, parents will be financially responsible for transportation 

home.

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS 

A student may have financial obligations to the school or to his/her particular class or to the school. Payments 

for class obligations should be made to the Class Advisor; payment for other school-related items should be 

made directly to the Main Office. Any student who has an outstanding obligation at the start of a new school 

year will be placed on probation and may be ineligible to participate in any school social function. Accordingly, 

any senior with an outstanding financial obligation may not participate in Senior Activities, including the 

graduation ceremony, until that obligation is met.

FOOD IN THE CLASSROOM 

Northbridge Public Schools has developed a protocol for food celebrations in the classroom to address three 

issues: 

• There has been an increase in life-threatening food allergies in our schools. 

• New legislation has been passed which supports Northbridge Public Schools’ efforts to help prevent 

obesity in children. 

• We are concerned about the importance of good hygiene in the classroom in the light of the recent 

H1N1 outbreak. 

ALL FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED WITHIN THE CAFETERIA. 

Only Water is allowed in the classroom at the discretion of the teacher or via permission through the 

school nurse. All water transported to the classroom must be securely capped. No consumption of food 

or drink of any kind is allowed in the hallways of stairwells. 

Curriculum Related Food Lessons 

When a teacher decides to include food as part of the curriculum, he/she will choose from the attached 

Allowable Food list, or will send permission forms home 7 calendar days before the lesson. 

At the beginning of the year, a general food permission form will be included in the forms sent home on the first 

day of school for every student. On this form, parents/guardians will be able to indicate if their child can 

participate in any food celebration during the school year, or if the student has a special circumstance and the 

parent/guardian must be informed of the food to be provided. During the school year, teachers will only need to 

send permission forms home with students who require permission for each food lesson or to students who do 

not have a permission form on file at school. The nurse in each building will keep track of these forms and will 

provide teachers with the list of students who require permission forms for each food related lesson. Permission 

forms must be sent home at least 7 days before the food is to be provided. If a student cannot have a food, the 

teacher and parent/guardian will work out an acceptable alternative food. 

During some teaching units students are asked to bring in homemade food that enhances a unit or lesson plan. If 

a teacher is including homemade food during a lesson such as this, a letter will be sent home to parents of 

students who require permission describing the event and the foods that will be available (e.g. homemade food 

representing cultures studied in our lesson) at least 7 calendar days before the event. If a student cannot sample 

the homemade foods, the teacher and parent will work out an alternative that will still allow the student to 

participate in some way. An example would be having that parent/student make a cultural food item that that 

student can eat. Teachers and parents are responsible to remind the student that he/she cannot sample the foods. 

Holidays and Other Celebrations 

We recommend that these be limited as much as possible. When a holiday or other celebration is planned and 

involves food, teachers will follow the same protocol as for Curriculum Related Food Lessons. 

See Food Services/Dining 

Food Policy Continues Next Page...

Rewards and Incentives 

Food will not be used as a reward or incentive for any student unless indicated in an IEP. 

As always, children are not allowed to share snacks or food with each other, either in school, on the bus, or at 

school sponsored events such as Field Trips.

FOOD SERVICES/DINING 

The dining area serves a variety of hot and cold full meals, snacks, beverages, and a la carte offerings. No 

containers or food of any kind are allowed outside of the dining area during school hours. Lunch will be 

served in four sessions. The dining area will be closed from 12:50 to 1:45 PM to allow for clean up. Students 

must report directly to the cafeteria when dismissed for their lunch and may not leave the cafeteria during the 

lunch period. Appropriate behavior is expected of all students, which includes proper dining etiquette. A 

student displaying inappropriate behavior will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include loss of 

dining area privileges. 

MyNutrikids.com 

The Northbridge Public Schools Food Service Department has a convenient, easy and secure online service 

through our food service point of sale system called MyNutrikids.com. 

This web service allows parents to view your child’s current lunch account balance and make secure online prepayments 

to that account. You may also view a history report that will show you all dates and times that your 

child has purchased a breakfast and or lunch within the past thirty days.

FORGERY/CHEATING/PLAGIARISM 

Forgery, cheating and plagiarism are unacceptable behaviors and will not be tolerated in any manner or form. 

This includes but is not limited to the forging of parent/guardian’s signature, the use of “crib” notes, falsifying 

one’s identity via telephone, submitting another persons’ work as one’s own, allowing another student to use 

your work or cutting and pasting of copyrighted materials from computer sources. A grade of zero will be given 

in all cases and may result in a referral to Administration for further disciplinary action.

FORMS 

All forms and policy information are readily available in the Main Office or downloaded from our web site. 

Students MUST return all require forms in by the end of the 2 nd full day of school.

FUNDRAISING 

Classes rely on fundraising to support their many and varied activities. We encourage students to be supportive 

of one another in their efforts to provide social activities for the student body. All fundraising projects for school 

groups are subject to review by the Student Council and approval of the building Principal or designee. No food 

related items of any type are to be sold by students for the purposes of fundraising during the school day. No 

door-to-door sales will be allowed.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 

In order to graduate from Northbridge High School, a student must have earned credits as follows: 

Core Curriculum 

English 20.0 

Fine & Applied Arts: 

Computers 5.0 

Health & Wellness 10.0 

Mathematics 20.0 

Science 15.0 

Social Studies 15.0 

Elective Distribution Credits 35.0 

120.0 Total credits required for graduation 

Class standing credits: A student transitions to the next grade level if he/she has earned cumulative credits 

and has the potential to earn total credits required for graduation in his/her identified class. Students will be 

placed on grade level probation, and identified as repeating a grade, if they are unable to attain the required 

number of cumulative credits for graduation in the current class. All students are provided with adequate 

opportunity to fulfill these requirements. 

To be eligible to receive a diploma, all students must fulfill the requirements of the Massachusetts 

Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) testing and the Northbridge High School; specifically 85 credits in 

core disciplines; 35 credits of electives, which are offered in all areas. Our Program of Studies is aligned with 

the recommended Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) Mass Core. 

Credit for Foreign Study: Students who are away for a term or year to participate in a student exchange 

program or otherwise study abroad may receive credits toward high school graduation when (1) study plans are 

approved by the school administration in advance; and (2) the institution where the study occurred submits a 

record of the student’s work. In these instances, the principal and student’s guidance counselor will evaluate the 

work and assign credit for it according to standards prevailing in Northbridge High School. 

Graduation participation 

To participate in the graduation ceremony, it will be necessary for the student: 

To have successfully earned the total credits required for graduation. 

To have successfully earned the total credits required in the specific credit distribution. 

To have observed the specific conduct requirements for Northbridge High School students. 

To have resolved all financial obligations incurred at school. 

To have successfully passed the required Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests. 

Participation in the graduation ceremony and related senior activities are privileges extended to seniors in good 

standing and do not constitute a student’s right.

GUIDANCE 

Guidance services are an integral part of each student’s academic and personal experience. We know that 

frequent and open communication between the school and the family is not only important, but also critical 

during these sometimes difficult, transitional years. Northbridge High School strongly encourages 

parents/guardians to initiate and to maintain contact with their son/daughter’s counselor. 

All students are assigned a Guidance Counselor. The counselor’s name will appear on each student’s schedule. 

These counselors are available to offer personal, vocational, career, and academic counseling. In addition, 

Guidance Counselors work closely with school staff in monitoring a student’s overall performance. Students 

meet individually with their counselors and in small group settings. Parent/guardian’s interest and involvement 

are encouraged and counselors are available to meet with parent/guardian during the school day and in the 

evening by appointment. 

The counselor assignments for 2011-2012 school year are: 

Class Mrs. Green Mrs. Goff Mr. Katz 

Ext. 5108 Ext. 5107 Ext. 5105 

2012 A – F G – M N – Z 

2013 A – F G – M N – Z 

2014 A – F G – M N – Z 

2015 A – F G – M N – Z 

The following are examples when students, parent/guardian, or teachers should contact the Guidance Counselor 

whenever you have a concern or a question regarding your son/daughter’s overall academic performance. 

Good rules of thumb, when in doubt, just place a call to check it out. 

Our Guidance Department offers a number of programs throughout the school year that will inform and educate 

both parent/guardian and students. Such program offerings include educational counseling, postsecondary 

planning, individual career assessments, job placement, admissions testing and financial aid. This information 

will be made available to students and parents/guardians via cable, accessing our web page, newsletters, and 

mailings throughout the school year. Information may also be obtained by contacting the Guidance Office 

directly at extension 5102.

HALL PASSES 

Hall Passes are REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES in order to move around the campus between 7:25 and 1:55, except 

when you are changing classes or attending lunch.. Hall Passes must be presented to a faculty or staff member when 

requested. 

Loss of privileges and /or disciplinary action will result if: 

• You fail to present your Hall Pass as requested 

• You forge information on your Hall Pass 

• You lend your Hall Pass to another student. 

All students are required to sign in and out when leaving a room. A teacher will sign no more than one Hall Pass at a 

time in his/her classroom. Multiple Hall Passes may be signed for students who may be out of class for an extended time 

(computer lab, media center). Students will not have Hall Passes signed 10 minutes before or 10 minutes after 

passing times. (See also “No Sign-Outs”). 

Teachers use passes for several reasons. (1) Excuse a student from a class to go to another part of the building to do 

school business. When you are out on this pass, make sure you show it to the receiving teacher so he/she can sign it; 

make sure he/she marks the time when you return to the sending teacher. (2) Sometimes a teacher will want to see you at 

a certain time; that teacher will use a pass to let you know. (3) If a teacher should keep you late for a reason, he/she 

should give you a pass to get to your next appointment. It is your responsibility to obtain a pass: Don’t leave without it.

HAZING 

CH. 269, S.17. CRIME OF HAZING; DEFINITION; PENALTY 

Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing as defined herein shall be punished by a 

fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one 

year, or by both such fine and imprisonment. 

The term "hazing" as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or 

method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or 

recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include 

whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, 

liquor, beverage, drug or other sub-stance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is 

likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects 

such student or other 

person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation. Not 

withstanding any other provisions of this section to be contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to 

any prosecution under this action. 

CH. 269, S.18. DUTY TO REPORT HAZING 

Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section seventeen and is at the scene of 

such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to him/herself or others, report 

such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report 

such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars. 

CH. 269, S.19. HAZING STATUTES TO BE PROVIDED; STATEMENT OF 

COMPLIANCE AND DISCIPLINE POLICY REQUIRED 

Each secondary school and each public and private school or college shall issue to every group or organization 

under its authority or operating on or in conjunction with its campus or school, and to every member, plebe, 

pledgee or applicant for membership in such group or organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen 

and eighteen. An officer of each such group or organization, and each individual receiving a copy of said 

sections seventeen and eighteen shall sign an acknowledgment stating that such group, organization or 

individual has received a copy of said sections seventeen and eighteen. 

Each secondary school and each public or private school or college shall file, at least annually, a report with the 

regents of higher education and in the case of secondary schools, the Board of Education, certifying that such 

institution has complied with the provisions of this section and also certifying that said school has adopted a 

disciplinary policy with regards to the organizers and participants of hazing. The Board of Regents and in the 

case of secondary schools, the Board of Education shall promulgate regulations governing the content and 

frequency of such reports, and shall forthwith report to the attorney general any such institution which fails to 

make such a report.

HEALTH SERVICES 

Northbridge High School provides a full range of health care services for students. Our health care offices are 

located in the Health Office suite. It is fully staffed during the school day. 

Dismissal The nurse may find it necessary to contact a parent/guardian for dismissal of a student. In these 

cases, the parent/guardian must arrange transportation. The school nurse should be notified of any changes in 

address, telephone numbers, or contact persons. 

School nurses are allowed to administer Tylenol, ibuprofen, Tums, and Benadryl to students. Parents will be 

asked to sign written permission for these medications. These medications are given at the nurse’s discretion. 

Except in the case of a temporary situation, e.g. fracture or injury, parents will be notified of students who 

consistently use over-the-counter medications more than 5 times a month. 

Medications Prescription and all other over-the-counter medications not listed above will require a written 

prescription from the student’s physician. A NEW PRESCRIPTION MUST BE OBTAINED EACH SCHOOL 

YEAR. Forms may be obtained in the Health Office. All medication must be brought to school by a parent or 

guardian. The nurse will NOT accept medication from a student. 

Diabetic students, students with asthma and students who require an EpiPen will be allowed to carry 

inhalers/Epipens/insulin with them during the school day. Written permission from the physician and parent is 

required for this. 

Students are not allowed to carry any medication with them during the day, including over-the-counter 

medication. 

All medications have potentially serious side effects. Students found with any medication will be referred to the 

Assistant Principal for disciplinary action who will follow the guidelines for possession of a controlled 

substance. If a student needs to take any medication in school, please call the nurse to make arrangements. 

Health Screening: Mandatory health screenings are done according to state guidelines. Vision, hearing, and 

height and weight will be screened annually for grade 10. Parents of 10 th grade students will be notified of their 

child’s Body Mass Index (an indicator for healthy body weight) on an annual basis. Postural screening will be 

done on all 9 th graders. Parents will be notified of any problems identified during screenings. State law requires 

a physical in 10 th grade, as well as within 13 months of tryouts for competitive sports or cheerleading. 

Transferring students must have had a physical within 13 months of entry to school, or one month after entry 

Immunizations: State law requires that all students be immunized against tetanus, diphtheria, measles, 

mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and polio, and varicella. Students whose immunizations do not conform to State 

law will be excluded from school until they can provide evidence of proper immunizations. 

Substance Use/Abuse: The school nurse may be asked to assess a student for signs of substance use in 

school. The nurse, who has undergone Drug Impairment Training for Education Professionals, will assess the 

student according to the guidelines outlined in the training program. She will share her findings with 

Administration. 

Health Services Continues next page...

Northbridge High School recognizes that the problems associated with substance abuse are prevalent both in 

and out of school. While we are supportive of our students needs, our number one priority is their safety and 

well being. Students who have been found to be under the influence of illicit substances will be referred for a 

medical evaluation. Students who have been found to be in possession of, or under the influence of, illegal 

substances, in addition to the potential disciplinary consequences, may be referred to the Northbridge Police 

Department for possible additional civil and criminal penalties and/or may be required to provide the school 

nurse proof of participation and/or registration in a treatment program before they will be allowed to return to 

the school. 

Latex: Latex based products, i.e., balloons, are NOT allowed on campus at any time. (See Latex Policy)

HOMEWORK POLICY 

Homework contributes to the understanding of the curriculum and reinforces learning. Homework is an essential 

extension of daily classroom activities and is averaged into the term grade. Homework provides for practice of 

skills and application of principles based upon work begun in the classroom. It enriches school experiences and 

promotes a permanent interest in learning. It stimulates individual initiative, personal responsibility, and selfdirection. 

Assignments can serve different purposes: practice learned skills, prepare for future lessons, extend 

skills or concepts to new situations, create original applications of skills and concepts already learned. 

The level of the course offering, the nature of instruction and the requirements of the course often determined 

the degree of homework assigned. Departmental and teacher guidelines should be followed. 

Teachers may utilize our Homework Hotline, accessed through the teacher’s voice mailbox. 

Homework has a direct effect on a student’s grade. Please refer to the Course Expectation Sheets distributed to 

students in each class for specific course requirements. If a student is absent for more than two days, 

parent/guardian are encouraged to contact the Guidance Office to request assignments missed and always, we 

encourage parents to initiate contact with the specific classroom teacher. 

Responsibilities of Students: 

1. Record the directions for homework in an assignment notebook; 

2. Make sure the directions are clearly understood; 

3. Maintain an appropriate study environment; 

4. Accept responsibility for completing assignments and keeping materials in order; 

5. Hand in any meaningful products on time; 

6. Budget time properly for long-term assignments. 

Responsibilities of Parents: 

1. Provide a suitable place for study; 

2. Establish a consistent study time; 

3. Check student assignment notebook; 

4. Oversee long-term assignments and assist student in learning to budget time accordingly; 

5. Encourage student to accept responsibility for completing homework assignments; 

6. Assist with - but do not do - the work; 

7. Recognize that homework is not limited to written assignments, but includes studying, reading, and/or 

researching. 

HOMEWORK/SUMMER 

Students may be required to complete summer assignments depending upon their academic status or the courses 

they are scheduled. The individual teachers will give notice and information is posted on our webpage. 

Students are assigned a “summer reading” book in June and are expected to return in the fall prepared to discuss 

and write about their chosen book.

HONOR ROLL 

Students are recognized for their academic success. An Honor Roll is published shortly after the close of each 

of the four quarters. This recognition is based on their quarter grades and is determined as follows: 

• HIGHEST HONORS: All grades 93 – 100 

• HIGH HONORS: All grades 87 – 92 

• HONORS: All grades 80 – 86

INCOMPLETE GRADE 

Students may receive an “I” for a course grade if he/she has excused absences during the quarter and has not 

completed the make-up work (See make-up policy) prior to the end of that quarter. A grade of “I” will remain 

for a maximum of 1 week after report cards are issued. Should the student fail to make up the work within the 1 

week period, the student will receive a failing grade for that work which is not completed. In both cases, the 

Incomplete will be changed to reflect the earned numeric grade. 

Any student who receives an Incomplete for the fourth quarter will be given one week at the close of school to 

make-up their work. Arrangements must be made with the classroom instructor. Incomplete grades will not be 

changed until the end of the 1 st full week of school (which may impact eligibility).

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS 

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment of 2001 (PPRA) ensures that instructional materials are made 

available to parents for inspection if those materials will be used in connection with a survey, analysis or 

evaluation in which their children participate, and requires parental permission if the survey, analysis or 

evaluation asks children to reveal particular information. Further information may be obtained from the 

Principal regarding content.

INSURANCE 

The designated insurance carrier covers students who may be involved in an accident during physical education 

class or while participating in athletics. In the unlikely event that such an accident occurs, the 

school/parent/guardian are jointly responsible for completion of the insurance form and the 

parent/guardian/physician has the sole responsibility to forward this form to the insurance company. 

The NORTHBRIDGE PUBLIC AND ADULT ACCIDENT REPORT FORM is used to report any accident that 

occurs at school, on the school bus, or at a bus stop, EXCEPT for accidents occurring during Physical Education 

class or while participating in athletics. The form is to be completed on the day of the accident, and submitted to 

the Northbridge School District’s Administrative Office via the high school Main Office. 

Insurance forms are distributed to all students should a family wish to purchase insurance for their own personal 

coverage. These forms are provided as a courtesy to all the families of students attending Northbridge High 

School.

IPASS/IPARENT 

All Progress reports and report cards will be available through the IParent online portal. Effective the fall of 

2011, all parents will be REQUIRED to register for IParent so that they can closely monitor their student’s daily 

attendance, and grades. Paper copies of progress reports will be available upon request.

LATEX PRODUCTS 

Latex based products, i.e., balloons, are NOT allowed on campus at any time.

LAVATORIES 

Students have adequate time between class periods and extended passing to utilize the lavatories. Students are 

encouraged to use the facilities during these times. All lavatories are smoke free in accordance with NPS Policy 

and State law. Any violation of these laws is considered a significant infraction and will be dealt with 

accordingly. Frequent trips to the lavatories may be an indication of a more serious medical problem. 

Parent/guardian will be contacted and a referral to the school nurse may be made. 

Any student found in a stall where smoke is present will be determined to be smoking and subject to the 

disciplinary action outlined in our Smoking/Tobacco Policy and may be subject to a violation of state law. If 

more than one student is found in a stall, all students in that stall will face disciplinary action. Students found in 

a lavatory without a designated pass during scheduled class time will be subjected to disciplinary action. No 

more than two students will be allowed out of a classroom at any given time. 

Students must remain in the dining area for the entire assigned lunch block and should access the 

facilities found in the dining area.

LOCKERS 

Each student is assigned a locker for his /her books and clothing. No student should use any other locker than 

the one issued directly to him or her. The students’ schedule contains their locker and locker combination. 

All backpacks, HATS, coats, etc. must be kept in the locker during the school day. Students are advised 

not to leave anything of value in their lockers. 

• Each locker is equipped with a built-in lock—this combination should not be given or shared with any 

other student. A student will retain the same locker throughout their high school years. 

NO STICKERS, TAPE, GRAFITTI, CONTAINERS OR FOOD THAT HAS BEEN OPENED, ARE 

ALLOWED IN THE LOCKERS. Students may hang items if secured with magnets. Failure to adhere to this 

policy will result in disciplinary action and/or loss of locker privileges. Students are expected to keep their 

lockers clean and orderly. 

DO NOT SHARE YOUR LOCKER WITH ANY OTHR STUDENT. RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE 

CONTENTS REMAINS WITH THE STUDENT TO WHICH THE LOCKER IS ASSIGNED. Do not 

put yourself in a position to get in trouble for what someone else puts in your locker by sharing! 

Lockers remain school property and students are reminded that they are subject to inspection by the 

Administration at any time. Any acts of vandalism, which include jamming or pinning the locking 

mechanism, will be immediately referred to the Administration. Lockers should be cleaned out on a regular 

basis and must be cleaned out the last day of school. Items left in lockers are not the responsibility of the 

school. And may be discarded or donated. 

Lockers left in excessively poor conditions at the end of the year will be subject to a $5 maintenance fee. 

Monies collected in this manner will be added to the schools student activity account and will be used to support 

our student recognition program.

LOCKER ROOMS (Field House) 

Our locker rooms are for the exclusive use of those students preparing for, or returning from, P.E. classes and 

for student athletes. Students may not be in the locker rooms at any other time of the day, or for any other 

reason than cited above, unless specifically called to the locker room by a P.E. teacher or a coach. 

Students found in the locker rooms without permission will face disciplinary action, which may lead to 

suspension. 

THE SCHOOL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR STOLEN ITEMS. IF YOU ARE USING A 

LOCKER, LOCK IT UP. COMBINATIONS LOCKS ARE AVAILABLE FOR USE.

LOITERING 

Loitering on school grounds is not permitted at any time. Students who are in the building or on school 

grounds should be involved in a scheduled activity. Students are expected to schedule rides home from events 

promptly after the conclusion of a school activity.

MAIN OFFICE 

The high school office is open daily from 7 AM to 3:15 PM. Parents and students are encouraged to visit our 

homepage for forms, handbook information, and regular updates including a calendar of events. The automated 

telephone system will provide ready access to faculty and staff voice mails. Please allow appropriate time for 

teachers to return calls as they are teaching during the day and often do not have an opportunity to access their 

mailbox until the end of the school day. Teachers’ are accessible via email 

(first letter of first name/last name @nps.org. Example mpgauthier@nps.org

MAKE-UP WORK 

Students are encouraged to accept responsibility for their own behavior and actions and to appreciate the value 

of attending school daily. It is the responsibility of the STUDENT to contact his/her teachers for work missed 

during school absences immediately upon their return to school. Students will be given twice the duration of the 

student’s excused absence to make-up any work missed including tests/quizzes. The make-up period begins the 

day the student returns to school. 

The teacher may grant additional time for unusual circumstances. This policy does not apply to class cuts, abuse 

of age of majority, or time lost due to unexcused dismissals. If a student chooses to cut a class, no make-up 

time will be given. Any student who has missed a test or a quiz due to a class cut will be given a zero. If a 

student is absent for more than two days, parent/guardian are encouraged to contact the Guidance Office to 

request assignments missed. 

Any assignment given prior to a student’s absence from class will be due the day the student returns to school. 

Students who are absent the day a quiz or test was given, but present when the quiz/test was previously 

announced, will be expected to take the test on the day of his/her return to school.

MCAS 

According to Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education language students are required 

to attain a “passing standard” on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) in order to be 

eligible for a diploma. Any student who fails to reach an acceptable score on any required MCAS test may be 

rescheduled for academic support. Students are scheduled for retesting according to the dates scheduled by the 

DESE. Students must pass Mathematics, English/Language Arts and Science to be eligible to receive a diploma. 

Students who score in the advanced category on the MCAS and in the top 25% of their graduating class MAY 

be eligible for a John and Abigail Adams scholarship entitling them to FREE TUITION at a state college or 

University.

MEDIA CENTER/LIBRARY 

The Media Center/Library provides students with an outstanding opportunity to continue their studies beyond 

the typical classroom. A schedule of hours will be posted and made available to students. Students are 

encouraged to expand their knowledge using technology/software, print and non-print materials, etc. Staff is 

present to support the students and to assist them in their researching and reading needs. In general, the 

following procedures are in place: 

1. Materials may be taken out for two weeks. Renewal is possible if there is no waiting list. 

2. Current magazines are available. Back issues and microfilm copies are available for student use.* 

3. Reference books are available. * 

4. Our center is “fine free”. We hope to continue this policy and ask everyone’s cooperation. 

5. A signed Acceptable Use Policy will insure that students may gain access to a computer. 

6. All students are asked to present a valid ID in order to gain access to a computer. 

7. Students will be held financially responsible for lost/unreturned books at the end of the year. 

*May not be removed from the library due to demand.

NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND (NCLB) 

Notification to Parents of Teacher Qualifications 

The Federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires school districts that receive federal Title I funding to 

notify parents of their right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers who instruct their 

child. 

As a recipient of these funds, the Northbridge Public Schools will provide you with this information in a timely 

manner if you request it. Specifically, you have the right to request the following information about each of your 

child's classroom teachers: 

1. Whether the teacher meets the state qualifications and licensing criteria for the grades and subjects he or she 

teaches. 

2. Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or provisional status because of special circumstances. 

3. The teacher's college major, whether the teacher has any advanced degrees, and the field of discipline of the 

certification or degree. 

4. Whether paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if so, their qualifications. 

5. The Northbridge Public Schools is committed to providing quality instruction for all students and does so by 

employing the most qualified individuals to teach and support each student in the classroom. If you would 

like to receive any of the information listed above for you child's teacher, please contact the school Principal 

at 508-234-6221. 

Armed Forces Recruiter Access to Students and Student Recruiting Information Act 

The Act requires that schools make student names, addresses, and telephone numbers available to military 

recruiters and institutions of higher education. However, the law also requires schools to notify students and 

parents that they may opt out so that such information is not released without prior consent. If you would like 

to withhold this information, contact the high school main office. 

District Report Cards 

Northbridge High School will provide, either through mailing or upon request, a copy of the current District 

Report Card. You may contact the main office for a copy. 

Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA): Notification of Rights Under the PPRA affords parents 

certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and 

certain physical exams. These include the right to: 

1. Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following 

protected areas ("protected information survey") if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the 

U.S. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DOE): political affiliations or beliefs of the student 

or student's parent; Mental or psychological problems of the student or student's family; sex behavior or 

attitudes; illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; critical appraisals of others with whom 

respondents have close family relationships; legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, 

doctors, or ministers; religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or income, other than 

as required by law to determine program eligibility. 

NCLB continues next page... 

2. Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of the following: any other protected information 

survey, regardless of funding; any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition

of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and 

safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening 

permitted or required under State law; and activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal 

information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others. 

3. Inspect, upon request and before administration or use: protected information surveys of students; instruments 

used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution 

purposes; and instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum. 

These rights transfer to from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State 

law. 

The Northbridge Public Schools will develop and adopt policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these 

rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys 

and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. 

The District will directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and 

after any substantive changes. The District will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or email, parents 

of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys noted below and will provide an 

opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. The 

District will make this notification to parents at the beginning of the school year if the District has identified the 

specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time. For surveys and activities scheduled after 

the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys 

listed below and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Parents will 

also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys. 

Specific activities and surveys covered under this requirement include: the collection, disclosure, or use of 

personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution; the administration of any protected information 

survey not funded in whole or in part by DOE; and any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or 

screening as described above. Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with: 

Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 400 Maryland 

Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-5901 

School Prayer, Section 9524 

Northbridge High School has no policy that otherwise denies participation in, constitutionally protected prayer 

in public school as detailed. (NCLB 2002)

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY 

Selection into the National Honor Society is a privilege, not a right. This honor, recognized throughout the 

nation, is both the public recognition of accomplishment and the private commitment to continued excellence 

on the part of the new member. (National Honor Society Handbook) 

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be in their Junior, or Senior year, have attended NHS for at 

least one full semester, and have a cumulative weighted grade point average of at least 3.5. 

It shall be the responsibility of the candidate to acquire, to complete, and to return the Student Activity 

Information Form. The form must be completed and returned to the Chapter Advisor(s) within ten school days 

following the candidate’s notification of eligibility. The Faculty Council shall evaluate eligible candidates on 

the basis of service, leadership, character, and scholarship. 

Service—30 hours within 12 months (50 within two years) 

Service is generally considered to be those actions undertaken by the student, which are done with or on behalf 

of others without any direct financial or material compensation to the individual performing the service. In 

considering service, the contributions this candidate has made to school, classmates, and community as well as 

the student’s attitude toward service can be reviewed. Students who serve: 

• Volunteer and provide dependable and well-organized assistance, is gladly available, and is willing to 

sacrifice to offer assistance. 

• Work well with others and is willing to take on difficult or inconspicuous responsibilities. 

• Cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested service to the school. 

• Is willing to represent the class or school in inter-class and inter-scholastic competitions. 

• Do committee and staff work without complaint? 

• Participate in some activity outside of school, for example, Scouting, church groups, volunteer services for 

the elderly, poor, or disadvantaged. 

• Mentor persons in the community or students in the schools. 

• Show courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers and students. 

Leadership 

Holding offices in and/or participating in a variety of school and community activities may demonstrate 

leadership. A Student who exercises leadership: 

• Demonstrates initiatives in promoting school activities. 

• Exercises a positive influence on peers. 

• Is able to delegate responsibilities. 

• Inspires positive behavior in others. 

• Successfully holds school offices or positions of responsibility. 

• Demonstrates reliability and responsibility. 

• Is a leader in the classroom, at work, and in other school or community activities? 

NHS continues on the next page...

Character 

The NHS faculty shall be surveyed regarding the character of those students who have completed and returned 

the Student Activity Information Form. A person of good character demonstrates the following six qualities: 

respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring and good citizenship, i.e., 

• Takes criticisms willingly and recommendations graciously. 

• Exhibits cheerfulness, friendliness and poise. 

• Upholds principles of morality and ethics. 

• Complies with school regulations, including attendance and punctuality. 

• Exhibits the highest standards of honesty and reliability. 

• Show courtesy, concern and respect for others. 

• Are self-disciplined, perseveres, and shows powers of concentration. 

• Avoids cheating and profiting from the mistakes of others. 

• Actively helps to enhance a positive school atmosphere. 

Dismissal 

Members must maintain all the standards by which they were placed on National Honor Society. Failure to 

maintain these standards may result in probation and/or dismissal following a vote by the faculty council. 

Constitution 

The NASSP Honor Society Constitution governs the Northbridge High School Bernice T. Plante Chapter of the 

National Honor Society.

NO SCHOOL NOTIFICATION 

When school is canceled because of bad weather, the Fire Department whistle will sound at 6 AM. 

Announcements will be made on WBZ-1030 and WBZ-TV Channel 4), WSRS (96 FM) and WTAG (580 AM). 

Please do not call the radio station, the school, or school officials. Connect-Ed will be used to notify parent(s) 

and students of school cancellations.

NO SIGN-OUT LIST 

Students who are found to frequently abuse the use of hall passes, who frequently cut class, or who are 

frequently late to class may be placed on a no-sign out list for a designated amount of time.

NON-DISCRIMINATION 

Northbridge Public Schools Policy Prohibiting Discrimination 

It is the policy of the Northbridge Public Schools not to discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, 

national origin, color, homelessness, sexual orientation age or disability in its educational programs services, 

activities or employment practices. The Northbridge Public Schools complies with all applicable state and 

federal laws, including but not limited to, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act 

(ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Massachusetts General Laws, c.151B, c.151C, c.71, 

c.76 and c.71B. 

The School District, in complying with applicable state and federal laws, notifies you of this Policy Prohibiting 

Discrimination and informs you that the harassment/grievance coordinator for compliance at the building level 

is the school principal. 

At the District level, the ADA, Section 504 (employment activities), Title VI and Title IX (race, color, sex, 

religion, age, national origin, and sexual orientation) Coordinator is: Melissa Walker, Director of Administrative 

Services (or designee/successor), Northbridge Public School District, 87 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 

01588 508-234-8516 X 201. 

At the District level, the Section 504 (disability pertaining to students) Coordinator is 

Nancy Spitulnik (or designee/successor), Administrator of Special Education, Northbridge Public School 

District, 87 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 01588 508-234-8516 X 201

PARENT/GUARDIAN(S)-TEACHER CONFERENCES 

Parent/guardian are invited and encouraged to participate in parent/guardian conferences. These conferences 

include the regularly scheduled teacher conferences held in the fall and spring semesters, as well as conferences 

that may be required throughout the school year involving a student’s overall performance. Parent/guardian may 

contact the school at any time throughout the school year to arrange an individual conference. Continual dialog 

between the school and the home is encouraged and welcomed.

PARENTAL CONSENT- RELEASE FROM LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT 

This form must be completed for any student each time he/she participates in any school related field trip, cocurricular, 

extra-curricular, athletic or other school sponsored event. No student will be allowed to participate in 

such an activity until this form is on file with the sponsoring advisor or Main Office.

PASS/FAIL OR AUDIT OPTIONS 

Students may elect to take one course each semester or one full year course on a pass/fail or audit basis. Any 

student electing this option must be enrolled in a minimum of six full year equivalent courses. 

A student receiving a P for the course will be awarded credit and the grade will not be computed into the GPA 

or class rank. The final transcript will reflect the grade of P or F. No credit will be awarded for a grade below 

60. A student who chooses to audit a course will receive no credit and the final transcript will indicate AU. 

Students must discuss these options with his/her counselor. A student may only elect these options prior to 

issuance of the first report card for semester courses or no later than the second report card for full year courses. 

If a course is oversubscribed, auditing will not be allowed.

PASSING TIME 

Students have 4 minutes to pass between classes. This is ample time to move in an orderly and respectful 

manner to class. Students are expected to use this time to use the facilities or to access their lockers and to plan 

their trips according to their class schedules. Practice sound time management! Students will be expected to 

follow the traffic patterns established by the School in order to facilitate ease of movement. Teachers are 

discouraged from issuing passes for any reason during class time.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION/EXEMPTION 

Any student requesting an exemption from Physical Education due to a medical condition must submit a written 

note from a doctor stating the reason and the length of time the student will be excused. Under such 

circumstances, teachers, at their discretion, may request students make up any classes missed or may provide an 

alternate activity.

PHYSICAL RESTRAINT 

The Northbridge Public Schools recognizes that on occasion physical restraint is required to protect the safety of 

school community members from serious, imminent physical harm. Physical restraint is defined as the use of 

bodily force to limit a student’s freedom of movement. Physical restraint shall only be used in emergencies, in 

the judgment of the school staff member, when other less intrusive alternatives have failed or been deemed 

inappropriate, and with extreme caution. The Northbridge Public Schools complies with the requirements of 

Massachusetts regulations governing the use and reporting of physical restraint in schools, 630 CMR 46.00. 

A. Training 

To ensure the proper use of restraint and to prevent or minimize any harm to the student because of the use of 

restraint: 

• All staff will receive training regarding the District’s restraint policy and will be reviewed annually and 

employees hired after the school year begins will receive training within one month of starting their 

employment, which will include the following: 

• The District’s restraint policy; 

• Interventions, which may preclude the need for restraint, including de-escalation of problematic behaviors; 

• Types of restraints and related safety considerations, including information regarding the increased risk of 

injury to a student when an extended restraint is used; 

• Administering physical restraint in accordance with known medical or psychological limitations and/or 

behavioral intervention plans applicable to an individual student; and 

• Identification of program staff who have received in-depth training in the use of physical restraint. 

• Designated staff members shall participate in at least sixteen hours of in depth training in the use of physical 

restraint. Those designated staff members will then be authorized to serve as school-wide resources to assist 

in ensuring proper administration of physical restraint. 

B. Administration of Physical Restraint 

• Physical restraint may only be used in the following circumstances: 

o When non-physical interventions would be ineffective; and 

o The student’s behavior poses a threat of imminent, serious harm to self and/or others. 

• Physical restraint is prohibited in the following circumstances: 

o As a means of punishment; or 

o As a response to property destruction, disruption of school order, a student’s refusal to comply with a 

school rule or staff directive, or verbal threats that do not constitute a threat of imminent, serious, 

physical harm. However, in the judgment of the staff member, if the property destruction or the 

refusal to comply with a school rule or staff directive might escalate into, or could itself lead to 

serious, imminent harm to the student or to others, physical restraint is appropriate. 

Physical restraint continued next page...

• Only school personnel who have received required training pursuant to this policy shall administer physical 

restraints on students with, wherever possible, one adult witness who does not participate in the restraint. 

• The training requirements shall not preclude a teacher, employee or agent of the school from using 

reasonable force to protect students, other persons or themselves from assault or imminent, serious, physical 

harm. 

• Physical restraint shall be limited to the use of such reasonable force as is necessary to protect a student or 

others from assault or imminent, serious, physical harm. 

• A person administering physical restraint shall use the safest method available and appropriate to the 

situation, subject to the safety requirements set forth in this policy. A staff member who has received indepth 

training as specified in this policy may only administer floor prone restraints, and when in the 

judgment of the trained staff member, such method is required to provide safety for the student or others. 

• Physical restraint shall be discontinued, as soon as possible, when it is determined that the student is no 

longer at risk of causing imminent physical harm to self or others. (If, due to unusual circumstances, a 

restraint contuse for more than twenty minutes, it shall be considered an “extended restraint” for purposes of 

the reporting requirements.) 

• Additional safety requirements: 

o A restrained student shall not be prevented from breathing or speaking. A staff member will 

continuously monitor the physical status of the student, including skin color and respiration, during 

the restraint. 

o If at any time during a physical restraint the student demonstrates significant physical distress, as 

determined by the staff member, the student shall be released from the restraint immediately, and 

school staff shall take steps to seek medical assistance. 

o Program staff shall review and consider any known medical or psychological limitations and/or 

behavioral intervention plans regarding the use of physical restraint on an individual student. 

• At an appropriate time after release of a student from physical restraint, a school administrator or other 

appropriate school staff shall: 

• Review the incident with the student to address the behavior that precipitated the restraint; 

• Review the incident with the staff person(s) who administered the restraint to discuss whether proper 

restraint procedures were followed; and 

• Consider whether any follow-up is appropriate for students and staff members who witnessed the incident. 

C. Reporting 

Staff shall report the use of physical restraint to the school principal after administration of a physical restraint 

that results in injury to a student or staff member; or lasts longer than five (5) minutes. The following reporting 

procedure will be followed: 


The staff member shall verbally inform the principal of the restraint as soon as possible and shall provide 

a written report no later than the next school working day. 

The written report shall be provided to the Principal or designee. The Principal shall prepare the report 

if the Principal administered the restraint. 

The Principal or designee shall maintain an on-going record of al reported instances of physical restraint, 

which shall be made available for review by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 

upon request. 

The Principal shall send a copy of the report to the Superintendent at the Central Office. 

The Principal or designee shall verbally inform the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) of such restraint as 

soon as possible, and by written report postmarked no later than three school days following the use of 

such restraint. If the school customarily provides school related information to the parent(s)/guardian(s) 

in a language other than English, the written restraint report shall be provided in that language. The 

written report shall include: 

Names and job titles of the staff who administered the restraint and observers, if any; the date of the 

restraint; the time the restraint began and ended; and the name of the administrator who was verbally 

informed following the restraint. 

A description of the activity in which the restrained student and other students and staff in the same 

room or vicinity were engaged immediately preceding the use of physical restraint; the behavior that 

prompted the restraint; the efforts made to de-escalate the situation; alternatives to restraint that were 

attempted; and the justification for initiating physical restraint. 

A description of the administration of the restraint including the holds used and reasons such holds were 

necessary; the student’s behavior and reactions during the restraint; how the restraint ended; and 

documentation of injury to the student and/or staff, if any, during the restraint and any medical care 

provided. 

For extended restraints (a restraint lasting twenty (20) minutes or longer), the written report shall 

describe the alternatives to extended restraint that were attempted, the outcome of those efforts and the 

justification for administering the extended restraint. 

Information regarding any further action(s) that the school has taken or may take, including any 

disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed on the student. 

Information regarding opportunities for the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) to discuss with school 

officials the administration of the restraint, any disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed on the 

student and/or any other related matter. 

When a restraint has resulted in a serious injury to a student or program staff member or when an 

extended restraint ahs been administered, the program shall provide a copy of the written report to the 

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education within five (5) school days of the administration of 

the restraint. The program shall also provide the Department with a copy of the record of physical 

restraints maintained by the program administrator for the thirty-day period prior to the date of the 

reported restraint. 


D. Special Circumstances 

Parent(s)/guardian(s) may voluntarily waive the reporting requirements as stated above for restraints that 

do not result in serious injury to the student or to a staff member and do not constitute extended restraint. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Northbridge Public Schools may seek such individual waiver for students with Imps who present a 

high risk of frequent, dangerous behavior that may require the frequent use of restraint. Even where 

such a waiver is provided, the except that the limitations on chemical, mechanical, and seclusion 

restraint and the training requirements set forth in 603 CMR 46.00 shall continue to apply. 

The Northbridge Public Schools shall not require parental consent to such a waiver as a condition of 

admission or provision of services. 

Parent(s)/guardian(s) may withdraw consent to such waiver at any time without penalty. 

Extended restraints and restraint that result in serious injury to a student or staff member must be 

reported as described above, regardless of any individual waiver. 

The following documentation regarding individual waiver of reporting requirements will be maintained 

on-site in the student’s file and will be made available for inspection to the Department of Elementary 

and Secondary Education upon request: 

Informed written consent of parent(s)/guardian(s) to the waiver, which shall specify those reporting 

requirements listed above that the parent(s)/guardian(s) aggress to waive; and 

Specific information regarding when and how the parent(s)/guardian(s) will be informed regarding the 

administration of all restraints to the individual student. 

Nothing herein shall be construed to allow a program or classroom to receive an exemption or waiver 

from any of the requirements of this policy on behalf of all of the students enrolled in a particular 

program or classroom. 

E. Receiving / Investigating Complaints 

Any student, or parent(s)/guardian(s) on said student’s behalf, who believes he or she has been inappropriately 

restrained by an employee of the Northbridge Public Schools should follow the procedure outlined in the Policy 

Relating to Complaints about District Personnel. 

This policy shall be reviewed annually, provide to school staff, and shall be included in student handbooks. 

(M.G.L. chapter 69, section 1B, and chapter 71, section 37G; Massachusetts Department of Elementary and 

Secondary Education Regulation 603 CMR 46.00 Physical Restraint)

PROBATION 

The Principal may place students on probation who are experiencing academic difficulty or who are acting 

consistently in a manner that is in conflict with our guiding policies and procedures. This probationary period 

may include suspension of participation in athletics, extra or co-curricular activities, or participation in other 

activities as they relate to the social climate of our school. This probation will not exclude any disciplinary 

action that is taken as a matter of routine.

PROGRAM OF STUDIES GUIDE 

All students will receive a Program of Studies Guide to assist them with course selection and career planning. 

This Guide is distributed to students in early spring. This Guide contains course selection sequences for each 

discipline as well as an overview of each course, credit hours and other information that will assist 

parents/guardians during this process. Guides are available through the Guidance office and are updated each 

year to reflect the program of studies offered at Northbridge High School. 

Visit the NHS website to view the program of studies.

PROMOTION & RETENTION 

A student transitions to the next grade level after he/she earns cumulative credits equal to 25 percent of the total 

number of credits required for graduation. Students are placed on grade level probation if they are within 5 

credits of the required number of cumulative credits required each year. All students receive opportunity to 

fulfill these requirements.

REPORT CARDS & PROGRESS REPORTS 

Report cards are issued quarterly and contain valuable information regarding your son/daughter's overall 

performance in school. Notification of report card distribution will be made available to parent/guardian via 

cable, web page, message boards, and school calendar postings. The last quarter report card is mailed; all other 

quarter report cards will be available through the IParent portal. (See IPass) Parents/guardians who have 

specific concerns regarding their son/daughter’s performance should contact the individual teachers as a first 

step. 

Progress Reports will be issued at the mid-point of each term. The dates of issue are listed in the “Calendar of 

Events” and posted on local cable. They contain important information regarding your student’s academic 

performance, attendance, strengths and areas needing improvement.

RUBRICS 

Northbridge High School incorporates the use of school-wide rubrics and teacher created rubrics. The schoolwide 

rubrics are located in the Appendix.

SCHEDULE CHANGES (ADDING/DROPPING COURSES) 

Parent/guardian and students are encouraged to carefully select the courses during the course selection process. 

Every effort is made to provide adequate staffing and reasonable class sizes to meet the needs of the students. 

The selection process provides valuable information and decisions regarding what courses will actually be 

available, what teachers will teach the course, and what class size limitations will be present. Any schedule 

change affects the value of these decisions. 

In certain cases, a course change may be necessary. A course change will not be made based on teacher 

assignments unless a persistent discipline problem is evident. No course change will be made without the 

approval of the building Principal. 

If schedule changes are necessary, the following time line will be followed without exception: 

1. Student initiated changes may ONLY be made during the first week of a given course. A Schedule Change 

Request Form may be obtained in the Guidance Office. It should be noted that the request would not be 

automatically honored. The student’s parent/guardian, the classroom teachers involved, the Department 

Chairperson, Guidance Counselor, and the Principal must approve any changes. Students should report to 

their scheduled class until they receive notification of an official change of course. 

2. Teacher initiated changes may be recommended during the first quarter that the student is enrolled in a 

course. Any change will be discussed with the student and parent/guardian. 

3. After the first marking period ends, a student who drops a course will receive a Withdrew Passing (WP) or a 

Withdrew Failing (WF). This grade designation will be noted on the permanent record and transcript. 

Every effort will be made to assist students to resolve any issues that they may be having in a particular course 

before considering a schedule change. Schedule changes are the last, not first option.

SCHOOL CLIMATE 

The Northbridge High School community is committed to fostering and providing a positive, mutually 

respectful climate focused on student centered learning in support of our Mission Statement. Our goal is to 

create an educational experience that encourages ALL students to strive for their personal best. Throughout the 

year, students and staff will participate in events, recognition and award sessions, social and academic initiatives 

and various celebrations designed to engage and acknowledge our students. Students and staff will work 

collaboratively to make this goal our reality.

SCHOOL STORE – RAMS STAND 

Students in the Marketing/DECA Program manage the school store. Students may participate in the operation 

of this business by enrolling in the related course(s). All students may visit the store during store business 

hours. The school store sells school spirit items, NHS clothing, school supplies and other items that meet the 

needs of the students and staff. The store is located in the Main Foyer. Shop often and support your School!

SEARCH AND SEIZURE 

The safety and security of all our students is our first priority. Therefore, in order to preserve order in the 

school, and/or to protect the safety of any member of the school community, searches and seizures of student 

property will be conducted for reasonable suspicion. When violations of the law are suspected, police officials 

will be notified. Searches will be conducted by Administration only. 

The school reserves the right to seize and search a student’s cell phone or personal electronic device if there is 

reasonable suspicion that the device has been used to commit a crime or break school rules. This includes the 

suspicion of illegal drug activity and/or sending bullying or harassing text messages.

SEX EDUCATION - PARENT/GUARDIAN NOTIFICATION 

In accordance with General Laws Chapter 71, Section 32A, the Northbridge School Committee has adopted this 

policy on the rights of parent/guardian of our students in relation to curriculum that primarily involves human 

sexual education or human sexuality issues. 

The Northbridge School Committee supports the right of parents or guardians to exempt their children from any 

portion of the curriculum, which involves reference to human sexual education or human sexuality issues. 

Northbridge schools will notify parents regarding the presentation of curricula that involves these issues. 

Parents or guardians shall have the flexibility to exempt their children from any portion of the said curriculum 

through written notification to the school principal. No child so exempted shall be penalized because of such 

exemption. In the event of such an exemption, a substitute assignment may be provided. 

To the extent practical, the Northbridge Public Schools shall make program instruction materials for said 

curricula reasonably accessible to parents, guardians and others for inspection and review. 

A parent/guardian who is dissatisfied with a decision of the Principal concerning notice, access to instructional 

materials, or exemption for the student under this policy may send a written request to the Superintendent for 

review of the issue. The Superintendent or designee will review the issue and give the parent/guardian a timely 

wrote decision. A parent/guardian who is dissatisfied with the Superintendent’s decision may send a written 

request to the School Committee for review of the issue. The School Committee will review the issue and give 

the parent/guardian a timely written decision. A parent/guardian who is still dissatisfied after this process may 

send a written request to the Commissioner of Education for review of the issue in dispute.

SKATEBOARDING/ROLLERBLADING 

To insure the safety of all students while on school property, skateboarding, roller blading or any activity that is 

considered potentially dangerous or unsafe is strictly prohibited.

SMOKING/TOBACCO PRODUCTS 

It is the policy of Northbridge High School to maintain a smoke free environment for all students and staff. In 

accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 71, Section 2A, it is unlawful for a student to use 

tobacco products of any type on school grounds at any time. It is against NPS Policy to use tobacco products 

at any school-sponsored activity. Any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action. In all instances, 

the tobacco and related paraphernalia will be confiscated and returned only to the parent/guardian. 

First offense. - Students will be assigned an appropriate disciplinary action up to and including suspension. 

Any student found in violation of the State and school anti-smoking policy will be placed on immediate 

probation (see Probation) and will lose all pass privileges for the remainder of the school year. 

Second offense and subsequent offenses - may result in an out-of school suspension and a meeting with a 

parent/guardian. All students will have an opportunity to participate in a smoking cessation program if 

available.

SPECIAL EDUCATION 

Child Find -The Northbridge Public School District is required to identify all children, ages three years to 

twenty-one years, who reside within the District, have not yet graduated from high school, and who are in need 

of special education and related services. Any child suspected of having a disability and believed to be in need 

of special education and related services may be referred to the Administrator of Special Education, Northbridge 

Public School District, 87 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 01588 (508-234-8156 X204) 

Services and accommodations for Students with Disabilities - Some students with disabilities 

require specialized instruction and/or supportive services to help them make effective progress in school. These 

services can include, but are not limited to, speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, specialized 

instruction or placement in a special classroom. Parent(s)/guardian(s) or teachers may refer students they are 

concerned about to the Special Education Department. Within five (5) school days of such a referral, a consent 

form authorizing an evaluation of the student will be forwarded to the parent(s)/guardian(s). Following receipt 

of the parent(s)’/guardian(s)’ consent, an evaluation will be conducted and a TEAM meeting will be held to 

determine if the student is eligible for special education services. If the student is found eligible for special 

education services, the Team will develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) identifying the necessary 

services. 

The Northbridge Public School District will identify, evaluate and provide an appropriate public education to 

students who are handicapped within the meaning of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Further 

information may be obtained from your school’s principal or Dr. Nancy Spitulnik, Assistant Superintendent, the 

District’s Section 504 Coordinator (508-234-8156). 

Special Education Discipline Guidelines - All students are expected to meet the requirements for 

behavior as set forth in this handbook. In addition to those due process protections afforded to all students, the 

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and related regulations require that additional provisions be made 

for students who have been found eligible for special education services or who the school district knows or has 

reason to know might be eligible for such services. Students who have been found to have a disability that 

substantially limits a major life activity, as defined under §504 of the Rehabilitation Act, are, generally, also 

entitled to increased procedural protections prior to imposing discipline that will result in the student’s removal 

for more than ten (10) consecutive school days or where there is a pattern of short term removals exceeding ten 

(10) school days in a given year. The following additional requirements apply to the discipline of students with 

disabilities: 

 

The IEP for every student eligible for special education or related services shall indicate whether the 

student can be expected to meet the regular discipline code of the school or whether the code should be 

modified to address the student’s individual needs. 

Special education continued next page...

Students with disabilities may be excluded from their programs for up to ten (10) school days to the 

extent that such sanctions would be applied to all students. Before a student with a disability can be 

excluded from his/her program for more than ten (10) consecutive school days in a given school year or 

subjected to a pattern of removal constituting a “change of placement”, building administrators, the 

parent(s)/guardian(s) and relevant members of the student’s IEP or 504 Team will meet to determine the 

relationship between the student’s disability and behavior (Manifestation Determination). In most 

instances, during disciplinary exclusions exceeding ten (10) school days in a single school year, the 

student shall have the right to the receive services identified as necessary by the Team to provide him/her 

with a free appropriate public education during the period of exclusion. 

If building administrators, the parent(s)/guardian(s) and relevant members of the student’s IEP or 504 

Team determine that the student’s conduct was not a manifestation of the student’s disability, the school 

may discipline the student in accordance with the procedures and penalties applicable to all students but 

will continue to provide a free appropriate public education to those students with IEPs. The student’s 

IEP or 504 Team will identify the services necessary to provide a free appropriate public education 

during the period of exclusion, review any existing behavior intervention plan or, where appropriate, 

conduct a functional behavioral assessment. 

If building administrators, the parent(s)/guardian(s) and relevant members of the student’s IEP or 504 

Team determine that the conduct giving rise to disciplinary action was a manifestation of the student’s 

disability, the student will not be subjected to further removal or exclusion from the student’s current 

educational program based on that conduct (except for conduct involving weapons, drugs, or resulting in 

serious bodily injury to others) until the IEP or 504 Team develops, and the parent(s)/guardian(s) 

consent to, a new placement or unless the District obtains an order from a court or from the Bureau of 

Special Education Appeals (BSEA) authorizing a change in the student’s placement. The student’s 

Team shall also review, and modify as appropriate, any existing behavior intervention plan or arrange for 

a functional behavioral assessment. 

If a student with a disability possesses or uses illegal drugs, sells or solicits a controlled substance, 

possesses a weapon, or causes serious bodily injury to another on school grounds or at a school function, 

the District may place the student in an interim alternative educational setting (IAES) for up to forty-five 

(45) school days. A court or BSEA Hearing Officer may also order the placement of a student who 

presents a substantial likelihood of injury to self or others in an appropriate interim setting for up to 

forty-five (45) school days. 

Special Education Parent/Guardian Advisory Council (PAC) 

The PAC is a State mandated Parent/guardian Advisory Council whose goal is to give parents/guardians the 

opportunity to participate in educational programming in a more informed way. The PAC acts, as a support 

group for parent/guardian who wishes to discuss special needs issues. The PAC will assist in providing 

information about the availability of special education services, procedures to obtain these services and the right 

and responsibilities of parent/guardian under State and Federal special education laws. Membership is open to 

parent/guardian of children with or without special needs, educators, human service agency representatives, 

school committee members, and any caring member of the community. Regular monthly meetings are held 

which are announced on Cable TV and can be found advertised in the local newspaper. The PAC follows the 

Open Meeting Law; all meetings are posted at the Town Hall. Parent/guardian Advisory Council (PAC), P.O. 

Box 15, Whitinsville, MA 01588. 

Click here to visit the Northbridge PAC website

STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARDS (I.D.) 

All students are provided, free of charge, with photo identifications. The replacement cost for any lost ID is $5. 

Any student who misplaces their ID should contact the Assistant Principal immediately.

STUDENT MEETINGS 

Students are encouraged to meet regularly for the purposes of supporting the many organizations that we offer. 

All meetings and requests for use of facilities must be arranged with an Administrator or an activity advisor.

STUDENT RECORDS/INTERNET DISCLOSURE 

(Annual Notification to Students and Parents) 

In accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Student Record 

Regulations, the Northbridge Public School District shall: 

1. Take all reasonable precautions to preserve the confidentiality of a student's records. 

2. Make available for inspection all school records of a student upon request of the parent or legal 

guardian. 

3. Make available for inspection all school records of a student upon his or her request provided that the 

student is fourteen (14) years of age or older or upon entering the ninth grade. 

4. Disseminate, to parents and students, State Regulations on Student Records and this policy annually. 

Regulations 

The State Board of Education has adopted Regulations pertaining to Student Records that are designed to ensure 

parents' rights of confidentiality, inspection, amendment and destruction of student records, and to assist school 

authorities in their responsibilities for the maintenance of student records. 

The regulations apply to all information kept by a school committee on a student in a manner such that he or she 

may be individually identified. The regulations divide the record into the transcript and the temporary record. 

The transcript includes only the minimum information necessary to reflect the student's educational progress. 

This information includes name, address, course titles, grades, credits, and grade level completed. The transcript 

is kept by the school system for at least sixty years after the student leaves the system. 

The temporary record contains the majority of the information maintained by the school system about the 

student. This may include such things as standardized test results, class rank, school sponsored extra-curricular 

activities, and evaluations and comments by teachers, counselors, and other persons. The temporary record is 

destroyed seven years after the student leaves the school system. 

The following is a summary of major parent and student rights regarding their student records: 

Inspection of Record - A parent, or a student who has entered the ninth grade or is at least fourteen (14) 

years old, has the right to inspect all portions of the student record upon request. The record must be made 

available to the parent or student within ten (10) days of the request, unless the parent or student consents to a 

delay. In the event the parent/student requests copies of a student record, the District may charge the 

parents/student for said copies at the District rate. 

Confidentiality of Record - With a few exceptions, no individuals or organizations but the parent, student, 

and school personnel working directly with the student are allowed to have access to information in the student 

record without specific, informed, written consent of the parent or the student. 

Student Records continued on next page...

Amendment of Record - The parent and student have the right to add relevant comments, information, or 

other written materials to the student record. In addition, the parent and student have the right to request that 

information of the record be amended or deleted. The parent and student have a right to a conference with the 

school principal to make their objections known. Within a week after the conference, the principal must render a 

decision in writing. If the parent and student are not satisfied with the decision, the regulations contain 

provisions through which the decision may be appealed to higher authorities in the school system. 

Destruction of Records - The regulations require that certain parts of the student record, such as the 

temporary record, be destroyed a certain period of time after the student leaves the school system. School 

authorities are also allowed to destroy misleading, outdated, or irrelevant information in the record from time to 

time while the student is enrolled in the school system. Before any such information may be destroyed, the 

parent and student must be notified, and have an opportunity to receive a copy of any of the information before 

its destruction. 

Transfer of Records - It is the practice of the Northbridge Public Schools to forward the student record of 

any student who transfers to another public school district upon request of the receiving district. 

Non-Custodial Parents - Unless there is a court order to the contrary, a non-custodial parent (parent 

without physical custody of the student) of any public school student has the right, subject to certain procedures, 

to receive information regarding the student’s achievements, involvement, behavior, etc. A non-custodial 

parent who wishes to have this information shall submit a written request annually to the child’s school 

principal. Upon receipt of such a request, the principal shall send written notification to the custodial parent by 

certified and first class mail that the records and information will be provided to the non-custodial parent in 

twenty-one (21) calendar days unless the custodial parent provides documentation of the non-custodial parent’s 

ineligibility to access such information. In all cases where school records are provided to a non-custodial parent, 

the electronic and postal address and other contact information for the custodial parent shall be removed from 

the records provided. Any such records provided to the non-custodial parent shall be marked to indicate that 

they may not be used to enroll the student in another school. Upon receipt of a court order that prohibits the 

distribution of information pursuant to G.L. c. 71, §34H, the school will notify the non-custodial parent that it 

shall cease to provide access to the student record to the non-custodial parent. M.G.L. c.71, §34H, 603 CMR 

23.07. 

Third Party Access - Authorized school personnel, to include: (a) school administrators, teachers, 

counselors and other professionals who are employed by the school committee or who are providing services to 

the student under an agreement between the school committee and a service provider, and who are working 

directly with the student in an administrative, teaching, counseling, and/or diagnostic capacity; (b) 

administrative office staff and clerical personnel, employed by the school committee or under a school 

committee service contract, and whose duties require them to have access to student records for purposes of 

processing information for the student record; and (c) the Evaluation Team which evaluates a student, shall have 

access to the student record of students to whom they are providing services, when such access is required in the 

performance of their official duties. The consent of the parent or eligible student shall not be necessary. 

Student Records continued on next page...

As required by federal law, the District is required to release the names, addresses and telephone listings of 

students to military recruiters and institutions of higher education upon request for recruitment and scholarship 

purposes without prior consent. In addition, the District may release the following information about a student 

without prior consent: a student’s name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major fields of 

study, dates of attendance, weight and height of members of athletic teams, class participation in officially 

recognized activities and sports, degrees, honors and awards, post-high school plans and directory information 

such as homeroom assignments. However, in all instances, parents and eligible students have a right to request 

that this information not be released without prior consent by notifying their school building office in writing by 

the end of September of each school year. 

In reference to the Internet, use of a student’s name, photo or samples of their work on the Internet or District 

web page must be in accordance with the Northbridge Public Schools Student Internet Policy and Regulations, 

which requires prior written parental approval. School principals shall provide appropriate authorization and 

release to be executed by parent/guardian prior to release, publication or posting of such information. 

A parent or eligible student has a right to file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) in 

the United States Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (202) 260-3887. If you have any 

questions regarding this notice, or would like more information and/or a copy of the Massachusetts Department 

of Elementary and Secondary Education Student Record Regulations, please contact the building principal.

STUDENT STATUS REPORT 

Students’ progress is monitored throughout the school year. Monitoring the progress of a student is a shared 

responsibility. Teachers are urged to provide constructive feedback: both on a positive note and in areas of 

concern. Parent/guardian are encouraged to contact their son/daughter's teachers whenever a concern arises. A 

list of staff extensions may be found at the back of this Handbook. 

Quarterly Student Status Report will be distributed to students in school at the mid-point of each 

quarter. The dates are posted in various school publications, Channel 13 Cable, the NHS Webpage. 

Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the NHS Guidance Office to verify distribution dates or to arrange a 

conference. For the 2011-2012 academic year Northbridge High School will be looking to implement the 

iParent access system so parents can view student’s quarterly grades online. 

Weekly Student Status Report may be requested through the high school Guidance Office and are 

temporary status reports by nature. A parent concerned about their child’s progress may request a progress 

report on a short-term basis. Parent/guardian should be diligent in reviewing the information provided on this 

Student Status Report and to follow up with their son/daughter and the school. It is the responsibility of the 

student to obtain a progress report form from their Guidance Counselor and to obtain this information from their 

teachers. A conference may be requested at any time by the school or by parent/guardian.

SUMMER SCHOOL 

Northbridge High School offers summer school in core subject areas to students who obtain a numeric 

equivalent of 50 or above as a final grade. Students with a grade of less than a 50 with extenuating 

circumstances may appeal to the principal for a waiver in order to attend summer school. More information is 

available through the guidance department.

SUMMER READING 

Summer reading is assigned to all students. Information will be distributed through the English department and 

available on our website.

TELEPHONE USE 

School telephones are for official school business only and may not be used except in cases of emergency and 

with the permission of an Administrator. All telephones in classrooms, conference areas, etc., are strictly off 

limits. No student will be issued a pass to use the telephone during class time.

TEXTBOOKS 

Students are issued textbooks as one of many learning tools. These textbooks are the property of Northbridge 

Public Schools and are on loan to the student. Students are expected to cover these books and to keep them 

from being defaced in any way. Textbooks are numbered and recorded by the issuing teacher. All books that 

are returned in poor condition or lost must be paid for or replaced. A student will be determined to be not in 

“good standing” until such time as payment is made. 

It is the student’s responsibility to return all textbooks assigned to them at the end of the year. 

Students who fail to return books to their teachers and simply leave them in their lockers will be charged a $5 

handling fee (per book) which will be added to their financial obligations. 

NOTE: Monies collected in this manner will be added to the schools lost book account and will be used to 

repair/replace damaged books.

UNAUTHORIZED AREAS 

Students are not allowed in an unauthorized area during the school day without permission of Administration or 

unless otherwise accompanied by a staff member as part of classroom instruction. A non-designated area is 

defined as any non-instructional area of the building and any area outside of the building, including but not 

limited to, the parking lot. The parking lot and any parked vehicle are considered unauthorized areas. No 

student should be found hanging, leaning, or loitering on or near any of the balcony areas or stairwell.

USE OF FACILITIES 

Students wishing to use the facilities for any reason beyond the school day should see an Administrator or their 

Club Advisor.

VACATION POLICY 

Vacations and extended absences while school is in session have a negative effect on student performance and 

are discouraged. 

Parent/guardian seeking to take their student out-of-school for the purposes of an extended vacation must make 

an application to the Principal no later than two weeks prior to departure. 

The student and parent/guardian are responsible for completing the application form. 

The family vacation form details the process for approval and is available on line and in the Main Office. I 

n the event this form is not processed, the attendance policy as stated will be in effect and all absences are 

deemed unexcused.

VALUABLES/LOST AND FOUND 

Students are urged not to bring articles of value or large amounts of money to school. If it is necessary to bring 

valuables or money, they can be stored in the Main Office for the day. 

THE SCHOOL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR STOLEN ARTICLES. 

Locks are available through the health & wellness department to secure valuable during health/wellness classes. 

Student losses should be reported to the office as soon as possible. Any articles found should be brought to the 

Main Office.

VENDING MACHINES 

Vending machines are available in the cafeteria for use by the students and staff. Students may freely access 

these machines before and after school, during break and at lunch. No food or beverage may be removed 

from the dining area during the school day. All students are responsible for keeping the building clean. Any 

student found violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action and will be prohibited from using the 

vending machines. 

THE TEACHER’S LUNCH ROOM IS OFF LIMITS TO STUDENTS.

VISITORS & VOLUNTEERS 

Any visitor, defined as other than currently enrolled students, must register with the Main Office. All visitors 

will be required to wear a visitor’s pass. We do not allow our students to invite visitors during the school day. If 

you have an unusual circumstance, see Administration. 

The Northbridge Public Schools was required as of February 25, 2003 to obtain criminal record checks on all 

prospective volunteers, and on existing volunteers periodically, but not less than every three years. 

(Massachusetts General Law c.6, s. 167-178B ) To this end, the District has available in all school offices, 

CORI forms for you to fill out and sign that will authorize the District to submit to the Criminal History 

Systems Board a request for a CORI report. Please know that the information obtained from the Massachusetts 

Criminal History Systems Board is held strictly confidential and is kept in a locked file cabinet in the Director 

of Operations office. 

In addition, the Superintendent or the Director of Operations will only review the reports. Questions/concerns 

regarding this matter may be directed to: Melissa Walker, Director of Administrative Services, Northbridge 

Public School District, 87 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 01588 508-234-8516 X 201

WEBPAGE 

Northbridge High School maintains a home page with current school information. 

Visit www.nps.org/highschool for access.

WELLNESS PROGRAM 

The School Committee recognizes the relationship between student well-being and student achievement as well 

as the importance of a comprehensive district wellness program. Therefore, the school district will provide 

developmentally appropriate and sequential nutrition and physical education as well as opportunities for 

physical activity. The wellness program will be implemented in a multidisciplinary fashion and will be evidence 

based. 

Wellness Committee 

The school district will establish a wellness committee that consists of at least one (1): parent, student, nurse, 

school food service representative, School Committee member, school administrator, member of the public, and 

other community members as appropriate. If available, a qualified, credentialed nutrition professional will be a 

member of the wellness committee. The School Committee designates the following individual(s) as wellness 

program coordinator, the District Nurse Leader. Only employees of the district who are members of the 

wellness committee may serve as wellness program coordinators. Wellness coordinators, in consultation with 

the wellness committee, will be in charge of implementation and evaluation of this policy. 

Nutrition Guidelines 

It is the policy of the school district that all foods and beverages made available on campus during the school 

day are consistent with School Lunch Program nutrition guidelines. Guidelines for reimbursable school meals 

will not be less restrictive than regulations and guidance issued by the Secretary of Agriculture pursuant to law. 

The district will create procedures that address all foods available to students throughout the school day in the 

following areas: 

• guidelines for maximizing nutritional value by decreasing fat and added sugars, increasing nutrition 

density and moderating portion size of each individual food or beverage sold within the school 

environment; 

• separate guidelines for foods and beverages in the following categories: 

1. foods and beverages included in a la carte sales in the food service program on school campuses; 

2. foods and beverages sold in vending machines, snack bars, school stores, and concession stands; 

3. foods and beverages sold as part of school-sponsored fundraising activities; and 

4. refreshments served at parties, celebrations, and meetings during the school day; and 

5. specify that its guidelines will be based on nutrition goals, not profit motives. 

Nutrition and Physical Education 

The school district will provide nutrition education aligned with standards established by the USDA’s National 

School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program in all grades. The school district will provide physical 

education training aligned with the standards established by the Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

The wellness program coordinators, in consultation with the wellness committee, will develop procedures that 

address nutrition and physical education. 

Wellness program continued next page...

Nutrition Education 

• Students receive nutrition education that teaches the skills they need to adopt and maintain healthy 

eating behaviors. 

• Nutrition education is offered in the school cafeteria as well as in the classroom, with coordination 

between the foodservice staff and other school personnel, including teachers. 

• Students receive consistent nutrition messages from all aspects of the school program. 

• Division health education curriculum standards and guidelines address both nutrition and physical 

education. 

• Nutrition is integrated into the health education or core curricula (e.g., math, science, language arts). 

• Schools link nutrition education activities with the coordinated school health program. 

• Staff who provide nutrition education have appropriate training. 

• The level of student participation in the school breakfast and school lunch programs is appropriate. 

Physical Education Activities 

• Students are given opportunities for physical activity during the school day through physical education 

(PE) classes, daily recess periods for elementary school students, and the integration of physical activity 

into the academic curriculum where appropriate. 

• Students are given opportunities for physical activity through a range of before- and/or after-school 

programs including, but not limited to, intramurals, interscholastic athletics, and physical activity clubs. 

• Schools work with the community to create ways for students to walk, bike, rollerblade or skateboard 

safely to and from school. 

• Schools encourage parents and guardians to support their children's participation in physical activity, to 

be physically active role models, and to include physical activity in family events. 

• Schools provide training to enable staff to promote enjoyable, lifelong physical activity among students. 

Other School-Based Activities 

The wellness program coordinators, in consultation with the wellness committee, are charged with developing 

procedures addressing other school-based activities to promote wellness. 

• An adequate amount of time is allowed for students to eat meals in adequate lunchroom facilities. 

• All children who participate in subsidized food programs are able to obtain food in a non-stigmatizing 

manner. 

• Environmentally-friendly practices such as the use of locally grown and seasonal foods, school gardens, 

and non-disposable tableware have been considered and implemented where appropriate. 

• Physical activities and/or nutrition services or programs designed to benefit staff health have been 

considered and, to the extent practical, implemented.

WITHDRAWAL OF STUDENTS 

Any student who is moving and/or withdrawing from Northbridge High School must obtain the proper release forms 

from the Guidance Office. These forms must be completed before a student can be officially withdrawn. All books and 

financial obligations must be met before the forms can be processed. See Attendance Policy

WORK PERMITS 

A student’s primary job while in high school is that of a student. However, we recognize that a work experience can help 

to connect the learning that takes place in the classroom can be enhanced by a career or work based experience. In the 

event a work schedule interferes with the academic progress of a student, the school may require a conference with the 

parent/guardian and student. Any student wishing to secure employment and who is between the ages of 14 and 19 must 

obtain a work permit from the high school Main Office. The Guidance Office maintains a current school-to-career job 

bank and will provide career guidance, resume preparation, and other related activities to assist them in their pursuits.

Ideas and 

Content 

Writing 

Criteria Highly Competent Competent Acceptable Needs Improvement Unsatisfactory 

• Clear introduction • Clear introduction • Introduction is present but • No introduction 

• Text body provides clear • Text body generally vague 

present 

and supporting details provides clear and • Text body provides some • Text body contains 

throughout 

supporting details supporting details 

insufficient or 

• Conclusion reinforces throughout 

• Conclusion is present but inaccurate details 

and links information • Conclusion does not reinforce or link • No conclusion 

attempts to reinforce information 

present 

and link information 

• No introduction present 

• Text body contains little or no 

details 

• No conclusion present 

Organization 

• Displays clear order of 

ideas 

• Presents a clear, single 

focus per paragraph 

• Uses paragraph breaks 

and transitional words to 

show changes in topic 

• Displays good order 

of ideas 

• Presents a single 

focus per paragraph 

• Attempts to use 

paragraph breaks and 

transitional words to 

show changes in 

topic 

• Limited ability to 

organize ideas 

• Has trouble maintaining 

focus 

• Paragraph structure is 

flawed in some areas 

• Limited paragraph breaks 

and transitional words. 

• Little organization 

• Little focus on topic 

• Paragraph structure 

is flawed to the 

point of confusion 

• Few transitional 

words are present 

• No organization 

• No focus on topic 

• Paragraph structure is flawed 

to the point of confusion 

• No transitional words are 

present 

Vocabulary 

Grammar 

Conventions & 

Mechanics 

• Employs a wide variety 

of content specific 

vocabulary and 

terminology 

• Accurately and 

appropriately applies 

content specific 


terminology 

• Demonstrates excellent 

grammatical and 

mechanical skills 

• Employs content 

specific vocabulary 

and terminology 

• Applies content 

specific vocabulary 

and terminology 

• Demonstrates good 

grammatical and 


with little or no 

impact on the clarity 

of the work 

• Sometimes employs 



terminology 

• Sometimes applies 



terminology 

• Demonstrates limited 

command of grammatical 

and mechanical skills 

with some impact on the 

clarity of the work 

• Rarely employs 



terminology 

• Rarely applies 



terminology 

• Demonstrates 

minimal command 

of grammatical and 


with substantial 

impact on the clarity 

of the work 

• Does not employ content 

specific vocabulary and 

terminology 

• Does not apply content 

specific vocabulary and 

terminology 

• Demonstrates no command of 

grammatical and mechanical 

skills with severe impact on 

the clarity of the work

Independent & Collaborative Work Skills 


Participation 

And Attitude 

Consistently: 

• Focused 

• Positive 

• Cooperative 

• Shows initiative 

Usually: 

• Focused 

• Positive 



Sometimes: 

• Focused 

• Positive 



Rarely: 

• Focused 

• Positive 



Never: 

• Focused 

• Positive 



Time Management 

Consistently uses 

class time effectively 

Usually uses class 

time effectively 

Sometimes uses 

class time 

effectively 

Rarely uses class time 

effectively 

Never uses class time 

effectively 

Preparedness 

Consistently brings all 

materials to class 

Usually brings all 


Sometimes brings 

all materials to class 

Rarely brings all 


Never brings materials to 

class 

Creative 

Process 

Consistently uses 

original and unique 

ideas and strategies 

Most ideas and 

strategies are 


Some ideas and 

strategies are 


Demonstrates few 

original and unique ideas 

and strategies 

Does not demonstrate 

original and unique ideas 

and strategies 

Grade Equivalency Range: Highly Competent (100-90%); Competent (89-80%); **Acceptable (79-70%); Needs Improvement (69-60%); 

Unsatisfactory (59-0%) 

** Indicator of Acceptable Level of Achievement

Reading 


Identifies Important 

Information 

Interpretation 

Summarization 

Application 

Clearly and 

accurately 

identifies all main 

points 

Provides a clear 

and accurate 

explanation of 

important 

information 

Clear and concise 

description of 

material 

Strong evidence of 

ability to analyze 

and incorporate 

information 

Lists most of the 

main points of the 

material without any 

reference 

Provides a 

reasonably clear and 

accurate explanation 

of important 

information 

Accurate description 

of material 

Sufficient evidence 

of ability to analyze 

and incorporate 

information 

Lists some of the 

main points without 

any reference 

Provides a limited 

explanation of 

important information 

Vague description of 

material 

Some evidence of 

ability to analyze and 

incorporate 

information 

Lists minimal 

information 

Provides a weak 

explanation of the 

important information 

Wordy and unclear 

description of 

material 

Minimal evidence of 

ability to analyze and 

incorporate 

information 

Does not list important 

information 

Does not include any 

explanation of important 

information 

Does not include any 

description of material 

No evidence of ability to 

analyze and incorporate 

information 



** Indicator of Acceptable Level of Achievement

Utilizing Appropriate Technologies 


Operation & 

Implementation 

Application 

Policy & Procedure 

Documentation 

(When applicable) 

• Always selects the 

appropriate tools or 

applications 

• Always sets up and 

correctly operates the 

appropriate tool or 

applications 

• Always navigates and 

utilizes all appropriate 

applications 

• Always demonstrates 

ability to use 

advanced or multiple 

functions and 

applications 

• Always demonstrates 

appropriate use, care, 

and safety precautions 

• Consistently uses 

complete 

documentation 

when citing sources. 

• Normally selects 

the appropriate 

tools or 

applications 

• Normally 

sets up and 

correctly operates 

the appropriate 

tool or 

applications 

• Normally navigates 

and utilizes all 

appropriate 

applications 

• Normally 

demonstrates 

ability to use 

advanced or 

multiple functions 

and applications 

• Normally 

demonstrates 

appropriate use, 

care, and safety 

precautions 

• Normally uses 

complete 

documentation 

when citing 

sources. 

• Sometimes selects the 


applications 

• Sometimes sets 

up and correctly 

operates the 


applications 

• Sometimes navigates 

and utilizes all 

appropriate 

applications 

• Sometimes 

demonstrates ability to 

use advanced or 

multiple functions and 

applications 

• Sometimes 

demonstrates 



• Sometimes uses 

complete 

documentation when 

citing sources. 

• Rarely selects the 


applications 

• Rarely sets up and 



applications 

• Rarely navigates and 


applications 

• Rarely 

demonstrates ability to 

use advanced or 

multiple functions and 

applications 

• Rarely 

demonstrates 



• Rarely uses complete 



• Never selects the 


applications 

• Never sets up and 



applications 

• Never navigates and 


applications 

• Never demonstrates 

ability to use advanced 

or multiple functions 

and applications 

• Never demonstrates 



• Never uses complete 



Grade Equivalency Range: Highly Competent (100-90%); Competent (89-80%); **Acceptable (79-70%); Needs Improvement (69-60%); Unsatisfactory (59-0%)

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving 


Problem 

Analysis 

Organization 

Interpretation 

Conclusion 

• Clear and insightful 

observations 

• Questions indicate 

thorough understanding 

• Constructs well 

supported logical 

arguments 

• Highly organized and 

detailed 

• Insightful alternative 

solutions are explored 

• Results are analyzed 

thoroughly 

• Reasonable inferences 

are drawn 

• Solutions meet all 

criteria 

• Demonstrates clarity and 

variety in form of 

expression 

• Detailed but 

obvious 

observations 

• Questions 

indicate 

reasonable 

understanding 

• Constructs 

reasonable 

arguments 

• Sufficiently 

organized and 

detailed 

• Results are 

analyzed within 

parameters 

• Appropriate 

inferences are 

drawn 

• Solutions meet 

most criteria 

• Demonstrates 

sound and flexible 

techniques 

• Insufficient details for 

meaningful analysis 

• Questions indicate 

insufficient 

understanding 

• Vague and incomplete 

arguments 

• Incomplete and one 

dimensional 

• Some results are 

analyzed 

• Some inferences 

are present 

• Solutions meet some 

criteria 

• Process and methods 

are rigid and 

predictable 

Lacks any 

meaningful 

observation 

Questions lack 

understanding 

• Illogical 

arguments 

• Minimal 

organization 

or detail 

• Little analysis of 

results 

• Few inferences 

• Solution is not 

suitable or viable for 

question asked 

• Generally unclear or 

unsure of the subject 

being discussed 



** Indicator of Acceptable Level of Achievement 

• Does not 

demonstrate any 

problem analysis 

• Does not 

demonstrate any 

organization 

• Results are not 

analyzed 

• No inferences 

are made 

• No solution is 

presented


Organization 

• Strong introduction that 

engages the audience 

• Logical sequence 

• Strong conclusion 

• Adequate introduction 

that needs better 

transition between ideas 

• Logical sequence 

• Appropriate conclusion 

• Weak introduction 

• Sequence that is hard to follow 

• Weak conclusion 

• Minimal introduction 

• Does not follow a 

logical sequence 

• Inappropriate 

conclusion 

• No introduction 

• Does not follow a 

logical sequence 

• No conclusion 

Content 

Presentation/ 

Delivery 

Visual Elements 

(if applicable) 

Oral Communication 

• Clearly defined topic 

• Develops ideas with specific 

examples 

• Demonstrates full 

knowledge of topic 

• Responds appropriately to 

audience’s questions 

• Speaks audibly and 

expressively with 

articulation 

• Uses appropriate and 

engaging gestures 

• Maintains excellent eye 

contact and posture. 

• Uses highly interesting and 

clearly understandable 

visuals 

• Incorporation of visuals 

demonstrates significant 

effort 

• Visuals clearly support the 

main ideas. 

• Adequately defined 

topic 

• Develops ideas with 

general examples 

• Demonstrates adequate 

knowledge of topic 

• Responds appropriately 

to most of audience’s 

questions 

• Speaks audibly with 

articulation 

• Uses appropriate 

gestures 

• Demonstrates good eye 

contact and posture. 

• Uses interesting and 

understandable visuals 


demonstrates some 

effort 

• Visuals support the 

main ideas. 

• Somewhat defined topic 

• Some examples are given 

• Demonstrates little knowledge 

of topic 

• Unable to accurately respond 

to audience’s questions 

• Minimal volume and 

expression 

• Uses few or awkward gestures 

• Attempts to make eye contact 

and/or has poor posture. 

• Uses somewhat interesting 

visuals 


demonstrates minimal effort 

• Visuals generally support the 

main ideas. 

• Unclear/vague topic 

• Few examples are 

given 

• Lacks knowledge of 

topic 

• Does not fully listen or 

respond to audience’s 

questions 

• Lacks expression and 

volume 

• Uses few or distracting 

gestures 

• Shows little attempt to 

make eye contact 

and/or has poor 

posture. 

• Uses visuals that are 

disorganized and 

difficult to understand 

• Incorporation of 

visuals demonstrates 

little or no effort 

• Visuals do not support 

the main ideas. 

• No defined topic 

• No examples are 

given 

• Lacks knowledge 

of topic 

• Unable to respond 

to audience’s 

questions 

• No expression 

and is very 

difficult to hear 

• Uses no gestures 

• No attempt to 

make eye contact 

and has poor 

posture 

• Uses no visuals 

Grade Equivalency Range: Highly Competent (100-90%); Competent (89-80%); **Acceptable (79-70%); Needs Improvement (69-60%);

Northbridge Public Schools 

District Contact information 

Central Office 

87 Linwood Avenue 

Whitinsville, MA 01588 

(508) 234-8156 

Fax (508) 234-8469 

Northbridge High School 



(508) 234-6221 

Fax (508) 234 - 0802 

Northbridge Middle School 



(508) 234-8718 

Fax (508) 234 - 9718 

Northbridge Elementary School 

30 Cross St. 


(508) 234-6346 

Fax (508) 234 -8499 

The Balmer School 

21 Crescent St. 


(508) 234-8161 

Fax (508) 234 - 0808 

District Administrators 

Susan Gorky Superintendent SGorky@nps.org (508) 234-8156 

Nancy Spitulnik Assistant Superintendent NSpitulnik@nps.org (508) 234-8156 x201 

Cathy Stanton 

Melissa Walker 

Director of Pupil Personnel 

Services 

Business Manager 

CStanton@nps.org 

MWalker@nps.org 

School Administrators 

(508) 234-8156 x204 

(508) 234-8156 x209 

Michael Gauthier High School Principal MPGauthier@nps.org (508) 234-6221 x5116 

Jeffrey Lizotte 

Mary Ellen Mega 

High School Asst. Principal 

Middle School Principal 

JLizotte@nps.org 

MMega@NPS.org 

(508) 234-6221 x5114 

(508) 234-8718 x2112 

Jill Carroll 

Middle School Asst. Principal 

JCarroll@nps.org 

(508) 234-8718 x2112 

John Zywien Balmer School Principal JZywien@nps.org (508) 234-8161 x2101 

Don Incutto Balmer School Assistant Principal 

DIncutto@nps.org (508) 234-8161 x2111 

Jill Healy Northbridge Elementary School Principal JHealy@nps.org (508) 234-6346 x2101 

School Committee Members 

Fred Beauregard - fbeauregard@nps.org 

Richard DeLuca - rdeluca@nps.org 

Julie Gawlak - jgawlak@nps.org 

Karen P. Kittredge - kkittredge@nps.org 

Michael LeBrasseur - mlebrasseur@nps.org 

Selena Livingston - slivingston@nps.org 

Michael McGrath - mmcgrath@nps.org

Family Continuity Programs, Inc. 

Local Counseling Resources 

Whitinsville Clinic 76 Church Street Suite 301 

Whitinsville, MA 01588 Telephone: 508.234.4181 

Services offered: Mental Health Evaluation ; Home-Based Family Support Services ; Outpatient counseling, 

family therapy. 

Riverside Emergency Service 

206 Milford Street Upton, MA 01568-1309 Telephone: 508.634.3420 

Services offered: Crisis Intervention ; Mental Health Evaluation ; Hotlines/Crisis Services 

Emergency/Crisis 24-Hr Contact. 

Riverside Outpatient Counseling- 206 Milford Street Upton Mass. 508-529-7000 

Blackstone Valley Free Medical Program 

447 Hill Street St. Camillus Health Center Whitinsville, MA 01588 Telephone: 508.234-9356 

Services offered: Mental Health Care and Counseling ; Health Care ; Counselors/Therapists ; 

Arbour Counseling) - Franklin 38 Pond Street Suite 101 

Franklin, MA 02038 Telephone: 508.528.6037 

Milford-Franklin Counseling Services, Inc. 409 Fortune Boulevard Milford, MA 01757 Telephone: 

508.473.7400 

Wayside Community Counseling / Valley Rape Crisis Program 10 Asylum Street Milford, MA 01757 

Telephone: 508.478.6888 / 1-800-511-5070 

Services offered: Mental Health Care and Counseling, Sexual Assault / Abuse Groups. 

Wayside Trauma Intervention FREE RAPE CRISIS/ sexual abuse GROUPS/ TEENS * Judy Earnest * 508- 

478-6888 * 111, free outpatient counseling. 

Integrated Psychotherapy - Outpatient counseling/ Group counseling 31 Hastings St. Mendon Mass 01756, 

508- 473-1200 

You Inc- Outpatient Counseling Center- specializing in adolescents 508-849-5600 

Private Practice Clinicians- Barbera Palmgren, LMHC- 508-843-0469 , Whitinsville, 

Maria Diran- LMHC Whitinsville 774-847-7277 

 

If you have any questions about how to obtain counseling services, or how to make a referral for 

your child, please feel free to call for assistance. I would be happy to help with the process. 

Jennifer Balestracci, School Adjustment Counselor NPS grades. 9-12 508-234-6221 * 5106

Parenting Resources 

No one is given a manual on how to be a good parent and every child is different. This 

page is included to offer you a source of great parenting information in an easy to use 

format. The articles provided are also great for teachers and staff as well. 

Child Behavior Problems 

Abusive & Violent Behavior 

Anger & Defiance 

Backtalk & Attitude 

Bullying 

Lying 

Manipulation 

Arguing & Fighting 

Laziness & Motivation 

Self-esteem 

Power Struggles 

Substance Abuse & Risky Behavior 

Sibling Rivalry 

Disrespect 

Aggression 

Yelling & Swearing 

Outbursts & Temper Tantrums 

School & Homework 

Technology & Kids 

Divorced Parents 

Blended / Step Families 

Other Non Traditonal Families 

Non Traditional Families 

Parenting Resources continues next page...

Accountability & Responsibility 

Consequences & Rewards 

Family Rules & Limit Setting 

Routine & Structure 

Communication 

Parental Authority & Control 

Parenting Styles & Roles 

Effective Parenting 

Adolescent & Teen Behavior 

Oppositional Defiant Disorder 

ADHD/ADD 

Anxiety & Depression 

Other Conditions/Diagnoses 

Parenting Strategies/Techniques 

Conditions/Diagnoses

Last Name First Name Email Last Name First Name Email 

Amato Andrea Email Andrea Amato Katz 

Aaron Email Aaron Katz 

Anderson Phil Email Phil Anderson Katz 

Don Email Don Katz 

Balestracci Jennifer Email Jennifer Balestracci Kozik Jeffrey Email Jeffrey Kozik 

Batchelder Elena Email Elena Batchelder Lacava Gene Email Gene Lacava 

Beamenderfer Cecelia Email Cecelia Beamenderfer Landis Amber Email Amber Landis 

Bedard Patricia Email Patricia Bedard Laurens Robin Email Robin Laurens 

Bentley Stephanie Email Stephanie Bentley Lindsey Christina Email Christina Lindsey 

Boudreau Alicia Email Alicia Boudreau Lizotte Jeffrey Email Jeffrey Lizotte 

Bradley Kathy Email Kathy Bradley Lucena Jacquelyn Email Jacquelyn Lucena 

Burke Caitlyn Email Caitlyn Burke MacNeil Kristine Email Kristine MacNeil 

Cestone James Email James Cestone Marko Mirela Email Mirela Marko 

Chenet Patricia Email Patricia Chenet Marshall Robin Email Robin Marshall 

Christy Alexandra Email Alexandra Christy Martin Melissa Email Melissa Martin 

Ciccone Donna Email Donna Ciccone McKeon Steve Email Steve McKeon 

Columbus Barbara Email Barbara Columbus Mills David Email David Mills 

Connors Matthew Email Matthew Connors NURSE Email Lori Johnson 

Consigli Stephanie Email Stephanie Consigli Ostopowich Gregory Email Gregory Ostopowich 

Cote Katie Email Katie Cote Palmer-Howes Susan Email Susan Palmer-Howes 

Courtney Kim Email Kim Courtney Pearson Katie Email Katie Pearson 

Demagian John Email John Demagian Polucha Neil Email Neil Polucha 

Dodd Susan Email Susan Dodd Poulin Mindy Email Mindy Poulin 

Donaruma Danielle Email Danielle Donaruma Puglisi Rhonda Email Rhonda Puglisi 

Drama Room Email Room Drama Reilly Matthew Email Matthew Reilly 

Egan William Email William Egan Richards Allan Email Allan Richards 

Falconer Steve Email Steve Falconer Savage Stacey Email Stacey Savage 

Ferrari Jennifer Email Jennifer Ferrari Schur Benjamin Email Benjamin Schur 

Finkel Alan Email Alan Finkel Stanley Jenna Email Jenna Stanley 

Frasca Michelle Email Michelle Frasca Susienka John Email John Susienka 

Gaddis Mark Email Mark Gaddis Swayze John Email John Swayze 

Gauthier Michael Email Michael Gauthier Sweeney Nancy Email Nancy Sweeney 

Goff Kerran Email Kerran Goff Taintor Linda Email Linda Taintor 

Goodrich Jennifer Email Jennifer Goodrich Thulin Susan Email Susan Thulin 

Gorman James Email James Gorman Toomey Kim Email Kim Toomey 

Green Catherine Email Catherine Green Travers Sherri Email Sherri Travers 

Guerin Karen Email Karen Guerin Tubbs Melissa Email Melissa Tubbs 

Heney Maura Email Maura Heney VandenAkker Dawn Email Dawn VandenAkker 

Hougasian Josh Email Josh Hougasian Verdone James Email James Verdone 

Hughes Mitch Email Mitch Hughes Warzecha Jeffrey Email Jeffrey Warzecha 

ISS Email John Demagian White Lorretta Email Lorretta White 

Johnson Lori Email Lori Johnson

NORTHBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL TELEPHONE EXTENSION LIST 

Ext. # Last Name First Name Subject Ext. # Last Name First Name Subject 

1119 Admin Work Area Mail Room 3201 ISS 

1201 Alternative Pathways Formerly PAVE 5110 Johnson Lori Nurse 

1127 Amato Andrea ELL 2123 Jones-Riolo Sommer 

Computers 

2121 Anderson Phil Computers 5105 Katz 

Aaron Guidance Counselor 

5106 Balestracci Jennifer Adjustment .Counselor 2302 Katz 

Don AP Calculus 

1154 Band Room 3234 Kitchen Cafeteria 

2222 Batchelder Elena World Language 2109 Kozik 

Jeffrey Social Studies 

2228 Beamenderfer C. Cecelia World Language 2123 Lacava 

Gene Computers 

3107 Bedard Patricia Health and Wellness 2202 Landis 

Amber English 

2103 Bentley Stephanie Social Studies 2223 Language Lab 

1205 Boudreau Alicia Media Ctr. 2308 Laurens 

Robin Science 

5101 Bradley Kathy Secretary 2204 Lindsey Christina English 

2106 Burke Caitlyn Special Education 5114 Lizotte 

Jeffrey Assistant Principal 

1145 Cable Studio Area 1201 Lucena 

Jacquelyn Special Education 

2303 Cestone James Math 3113 MacNeil 

Kristine Health and Wellness 

2108/2220 Chenet Patricia Special Education 5120 Maintenance 

2324 Christy Alexandra Science/Biology 2226 Marko 

Mirela 

World Language 

5110 Ciccone Donna 2220 Marshall Robin Special Education 

1205 Circulation Desk Media Center 2320 Martin Melissa Science 

2123 Columbus Barbara Computers 7000/1201 McKeon 

Steve Special Education 

2121 Computer Lab First Floor 1205 Media Center Library 

2221 Computer Lab Second Floor 3119 Mills David Health and Wellness 

2321 Computer Lab Third Floor 5110 NURSE 

1168/1151 Connors Matthew Technology/Engineering 5117 Office Secretary 

5103 Consigli Stephanie Psychologist 2305 Ostopowich Gregory Science 

2105 Cote Katie Social Studies 2125 Palmer-Howes Susan Business 

2203 Courtney Kim English 2227 Pearson Katie Math 

3202 Dance Studio 2328 Polucha 

Neil Math 

3201 Demagian John ISS 2302 Poulin 

Mindy Math 

2126/2127 Dodd 

Susan Special Education 1218 Projection Room 

1215 Donaruma Danielle Art 5119 Puglisi 

Rhonda Food Services 

1133 Drama Room 2205 Reilly Matthew English 

2208 Egan William Special Education 2106 Richards Allan Special Education 

1151/1152 Engineering Rooms Science 3204 Richards Allan Athletic Director 

3216 Falconer Steve Technology Support 2304 Savage Stacey Science 

1212/1213 Ferrari Jennifer Art/Ceramics 1137 School Store Area 

2104 Finkel 

Alan Social Studies 1145/2108 Schur 

Benjamin Broadcast/English 

2122 Foods Room Family and Cons. Sci. 2329 Stanley Jenna Math 

2208 Frasca Michelle Special Education 2101 Susienka 

John Dean of Students 

2309 Gaddis Mark Science 2207 Swayze 

John English 

5116 Gauthier Michael Principal 2223 Sweeney Nancy World Language/Latin 

5107 Goff Kerran 

Guidance 5113 Taintor 

Linda Team Chair 

2326 Goodrich Jennifer Math 1222 Teachers Dining Area 

2325 Gorman James Science 2201 Teachers Work Room 

5108 Green Catherine Guidance 2224 Thulin 

Susan World Language 

2102 Guerin Karen Social Studies 2120/2122 Toomey 

Kim Family & Consumer Sci. 

3203 Health Fitness Area 2209 Travers 

Sherri English 

1128 Health Conf. Room 2225 Tubbs 

Melissa World Language 

2327 Heney Maura Math 5102 VandenAkker Dawn Guidance Secretary 

7002/1201 Hougasian Josh Special Education 1159/1154 Verdone 

James Music 

2107 Hughes Mitch Social Studies 2206 Warzecha 

Jeffrey English 

*Where two numbers are indicated, the first ext. is the voicemail ext. 3203 Weight Room 

Superintendent Susan Gorky - 508-234-8156 x 206 5100 White Lorretta Admin. Secretary 

Northbridge High School 234-6221 Fax 508-234-0802 Asst. Superintendent Dr. Nancy Spitulnik - 508-234-8156 X 201 

Northbridge Middle School 234-8718 Dir. Of Pupil Services - Cathy Stanton - 508-234-8156 x 215 

Northbridge Elementary 234-6346 Food Services - 508-234-8163 

Balmer School 234-8161 

Police 508-234-6211 

Northbridge Public Schools 234-8156 Fax 508-234-8469 Fire 508-234-8448

Northbridge High School Student & Parent/Guardian Handbook ...

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